The Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) slammed Alexander Vindman, the former National Security Council aide who played a central role in President Donald Trump's first impeachment, after he announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate this week.
In a release, the Republicans blasted Vindman as a "traitor" and a "puppet" for then-California Rep. Adam Schiff, who served as the lead prosecutor on the first impeachment of President Trump in 2020. They also called Vindman's national profile built on nothing more than media theatrics and grievance politics, not on accomplishments.
"Floridians see straight through manufactured outrage and self-serving political stunts. Vindman is nothing more than a Schiftty Puppet who we will send into permanent retirement," Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power said.
In a video ad, Vindman slammed Trump as a "wannabe tyrant" pushing a reign of terror against him and the American people. He also criticized Trump for stoking chaos with "thug militias" by showing a clip of January's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shooting of Renee Good in Minnesota.
In addition, Vindman slammed Trump on tariffs, health care premiums, and rising insurance costs.
Vindman vaulted into national headlines after testifying before Congress about President Trump's 2019 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in which Trump was accused of holding $400 million in congressionally approved military aid as leverage for an investigation into then-President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, by the country.
While impeached by the House, Trump was not convicted in the Senate on the accusations.
Vindman is running against former Brevard County School Board member Jennifer Jenkins and Rep. Angie Nixon (D-Jacksonville) for the Democratic nomination. The winner likely awaits Sen. Ashley Moody (R), who notably has the endorsement of Trump in her bid.
Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Moody to the seat in January 2025.
The Democratic Senate primary is Aug. 18, with the general election on Nov. 3.
