Reps. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), two Florida Jewish Democrats known as champions of Israel, are facing primary battles on Tuesday against Democratic Socialists of America-aligned candidates who have made criticism of the incumbents’ stances on Israel major planks of their campaigns.
Challenges from Progressive Opponents
Moskowitz, running in a heavily Jewish south Florida district, faces a challenge from DSA member Oliver Larkin. Wasserman Schultz is facing a slew of Democratic opponents after redistricting broke up her previous district. She decided to run instead in a plurality Black seat, a decision that has sparked controversy in both the state and on the Hill.
Her most prominent challenger is Elijah Manley, a former DSA member who converted to Judaism as an adult. Larkin and Manley — alongside progressive Senate candidate Angie Nixon, who faces Jewish Democrat Alex Vindman — rallied with Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), one of the most prominent critics of Israel in the House.
Venue Cancellations and Security Concerns
The event was forced to relocate after the original business hosting the event, The Venue Fort Lauderdale, cancelled the reservation following backlash from Democratic state Rep. Michael Gottleib and others, including far-right commentator Laura Loomer. “Once we became aware of the full scope and nature of the event and reviewed the publicly circulated promotional materials, we immediately began addressing the matter,” The Venue said in a statement.
The venue cited security concerns as well as the welfare of attendees and staff for the decision to cancel. Local media reported that a second venue also backed out before organizers secured a third location where the event went forward. Larkin, Tlaib and Nixon also attended a Shabbat event organized by Jewish Voices for Peace.
Strategic Skepticism in Florida
In spite of national attention toward the races, longtime Democratic insiders are skeptical that far-left politics is a winning formula in Florida. Steve Schale, a longtime Florida Democratic strategist, pointed to the defeats of former gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum and Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign in the state as evidence.
Mitch Ceasar, a former chair of the Broward County Democratic Party, agreed that far-left and anti-Israel positions aren’t likely to have much purchase in the Sunshine State compared to places like New York. Neither Larkin nor Manley have picked up prominent national endorsements from figures such as Sanders or Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Fundraising and District Demographics
Moskowitz has raised nearly $3 million, reserving close to $2 million for the general election, while Larkin raised $689,000 with just $170,000 left on hand. Schale noted that a Larkin victory would virtually guarantee Democrats lose the seat in November due to district demographics being less urban and older.
The district is 25% Jewish and 25% Hispanic, mostly of Cuban and Venezuelan ancestry, populations generally hostile to socialist policies. An individual close to Moskowitz’s campaign noted that half of expected voters have already voted early, favoring the incumbent's strong fundraising performance and local recognition.
