Florida Democratic voters delivered a significant upset Tuesday, nominating state Rep. Angie Nixon, a democratic socialist, over Alex Vindman, a former national security official.

Nixon's victory sets her up for a challenging general election against U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, a Republican. Democrats had hoped to gain ground in Florida, but the party establishment had favored Vindman, who raised significantly more campaign funds than Nixon.

Vindman, who served on the National Security Council during the Trump administration and played a key role in the first impeachment inquiry, had amassed a campaign war chest of approximately $16 million. Nixon, by contrast, raised just under $1 million. Despite the financial disparity, Nixon garnered enough support to defeat Vindman in the primary.

Vindman conceded the race and pledged to support Nixon in her campaign against Moody. "Rep. Nixon ran a strong campaign. I will be standing by her side in the fight against Ashley Moody. I hope you’ll join me," Vindman stated.

Nixon, a progressive who has been endorsed by figures like Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, champions policies such as universal healthcare and childcare. She has also been a vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy, including the war in Gaza. Nixon recently joined the Democratic Socialists of America.

In April, Nixon gained attention for her protest against Republican-led redistricting in Florida. She was reprimanded by an ethics committee following her demonstration at a legislative hearing, where she used a megaphone to voice her opposition.

Britney Whaley, southeast regional director for the Working Families Party, which supported Nixon, commented on the primary results. "If you’re surprised by tonight’s election results, you haven’t been paying enough attention to what’s happening in the South," Whaley said. "Tonight’s election results must be a wake-up call to a political establishment that believes a populist message can’t win in the South. Angie’s campaign proves voters will respond to a bold economic vision that meets their basic needs."

Florida has trended Republican in recent years, with former President Donald Trump establishing his residence in the state after leaving the White House. The state's shift rightward since 2016 has made it a tougher battleground for Democrats seeking to regain a competitive edge.