Democratic Primary Battles Shape Party’s Direction as Socialists Challenge Moderates in Florida

Florida’s primary elections Tuesday showcase a deepening ideological divide within the Democratic Party, with left-wing candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America mounting challenges against establishment-aligned moderates. The contests arrive following recent DSA victories in Michigan and Minnesota, signaling momentum for the party’s progressive wing in consequential races that could reshape congressional power.

Oliver Larkin, a 33-year-old DSA-endorsed candidate and former organizer for Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign, is pursuing the 25th Congressional District seat held by two-term Rep. Jared Moskowitz. The swing district anchored in Broward County represents one of roughly two dozen competitive House seats that will determine Republican control of the chamber in midterm elections. Larkin has called for abolishing the U.S. Senate and criticized Israel’s governing coalition, drawing support from prominent progressive figures including political commentator Hasan Piker.

Moskowitz, who previously served as a state legislator and emergency management director, maintains backing from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and AIPAC, the major pro-Israel advocacy organization. He has consistently championed robust military and security assistance to Israel and positions himself as the establishment choice in the district that has trended Republican in recent cycles.

Concurrent contests include an 11-term Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s reelection bid in the newly redrawn 20th District, a majority-minority seat she seeks despite residing in an adjacent district. Her candidacy has drawn scrutiny from Black community leaders, as the district has been represented by African American lawmakers for three decades.

The gubernatorial primary to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis features Rep. Byron Donalds with Trump’s endorsement, alongside Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former House Speaker Paul Renner, and businessman James Fishback. Former Republican David Jolly, who switched to the Democratic Party last year, represents the Democratic field, though no Democrat has won Florida’s governorship since 1994.

Florida’s Senate primary will determine nominees to fill Marco Rubio’s unexpired term following his departure to join the Trump administration. Republican Ashley Moody, appointed by DeSantis to the seat, faces three challengers. On the Democratic side, retired Army Lt. Col. Alex Vindman, prominent from Trump’s first impeachment trial, competes against state Rep. Angie Nixon for the party’s nomination.

Alaska’s primaries feature Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan defending his seat against Democrat Mary Peltola, a former congresswoman. An unrelated candidate named Dan Sullivan also appears on the ballot, leading unsuccessful Republican efforts to remove him on claims he could split the vote. Peltola recently distanced herself from an endorsement by former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Wyoming Republicans are backing Rep. Harriet Hageman in her Senate bid against retiring GOP Sen. Cynthia Lummis, while Democratic efforts focus on flipping Florida and Alaska in pursuit of Senate control. Additionally, California’s Bay Area will hold a special primary to replace Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, with both candidates representing the Democratic Party.