ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Florida Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon has responded to intensified attacks from the Republican Party of Florida regarding her association with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). While acknowledging limited ties to the organization, which she joined this summer, Nixon rejected characterizations by Sen. Ashley Moody that paint her as unelectable due to these affiliations.
Clashes Over Socialist Ties
Sens. Ashley Moody criticized Nixon’s DSA membership during a press event in Tampa on Thursday night, labeling the group "anti-American" and citing its stance against police funding and prisons. Nixon dismissed these assertions as demonization tactics designed to distract from policy failures.
"Ashley Moody needs to stick to the facts," Nixon told reporters on WMNF 88.5 FM radio in Tampa on Friday. She clarified that she does not support abolishing law enforcement but advocates for a "people's budget." Nixon emphasized her support for ending for-profit prisons while maintaining access to quality healthcare, housing, and public schools.
Hope Florida Scandal
Beyond ideological attacks, the campaign has focused on the Hope Florida scandal. A grand jury investigation examined how $10 million from a state Medicaid settlement was diverted to the Hope Florida Foundation, connected to First Lady Casey DeSantis. The funds were subsequently sent to a political action committee chaired by James Uthmeier.
Nixon criticized Moody’s approval of the transfer as part of a larger agreement with Centene Health Plan. "I cannot get over this lady allowed $10 million that was supposed to go towards the most medically needy kids to be diverted," Nixon said, referencing her own experience raising children on state assistance.
Political Strategy
GOP gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds argued that DSA ties divide Democratic voters in Florida. Nixon countered by highlighting her outreach efforts across various communities during her six years in the Florida House. She attributed current economic struggles to long-standing Republican leadership, including Moody and Governor Ron DeSantis.
