Democratic socialist wins Florida Senate primary, but GOP sees opportunity

A Democratic socialist scored a surprise victory in Florida's Senate primary Tuesday, but the upset could actually strengthen Republican chances of holding the seat in November, according to election analysts.

Florida state Rep. Angie Nixon, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, defeated Alex Vindman, who gained fame as a witness in President Trump's 2019 impeachment hearings. Nixon will face Republican Sen. Ashley Moody in the general election for the final two years of Marco Rubio's Senate term.

The result marks the first time a democratic socialist has won a Democratic Senate primary this cycle, but it also prompted nonpartisan election handicapper Sabato's Crystal Ball to shift its rating of the Florida race from