Rep. Angie Nixon (D-Jacksonville) announced her run for U.S. Senate by leaning into Florida's affordability crisis in a campaign advertisement launch this week.
"Corrupt politicians in DC are working for greedy corporations instead of fighting for the rest of us, all while things get more expensive and our paychecks stay the same," Nixon said. "Enough is enough. Something has to change, and we can't wait any longer."
Rep. Nixon, who has served in the Florida House since 2022, joins the Democratic field along with Jennifer Jenkins, a former Brevard County School Board member, who announced her run last September.
"Too many hard-working people, families, and seniors in Florida are fighting just to stay afloat while politicians in Washington tell us that things are just fine. But you and I know that's not the truth," Nixon continued. "Prices are up. Rent is out of control. Health care is too expensive, and child care costs are destroying family budgets."
A progressive Democrat, Nixon vowed to fight for working families by emphasizing her success as a lawmaker as proof she could win in a red state. Regardless of whether Nixon or Jenkins advances in the primary, they are likely to face Republican Sen. Ashley Moody, who has the endorsement of President Donald Trump.
President Trump won Florida by 13 points over Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. The state also has a large Republican registration advantage of over 1.4 million.
Florida hasn't had a Democratic senator since 2019. One can assume that the odds are not in the Democrats' favor.
However, Nixon appears unfazed by the challenge.
"I stayed here, and I fought for better wages, safer neighborhoods, fair housing, and affordable health care," Nixon said. "It's why I decided to take on the machine in Jacksonville and won, and it's why I'm running to be Florida's next United States Senator."
The Democratic Senate primary is Aug. 18. If Nixon succeeds, her general election race will be on Nov. 3.
"When something's wrong, I don't look away, I lean in, and I fight for what I believe in. When the people of our state work hard every day but still can't get ahead, something has to change right now," Nicon continued. "We can lower health care costs. We can afford our home. We can protect Social Security, and we can give every kid a real shot at a better future."
