Oliver Larkin, a Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) candidate for Florida's 25th Congressional District, ended a television interview prematurely when the host fact-checked his claims that Israel is committing genocide. The incident occurred during an appearance on WPLG Local 10's "This Week in South Florida."
WPLG host Glenna Milberg directly challenged Larkin's assertion, stating, "That is factually incorrect." She explained that while actions might be disproportionate wartime measures, the UN definition of genocide does not apply to the current situation. Milberg also countered Larkin's claim that the Israeli Defense Force "deliberately targeted women and children" in Gaza.
Following the exchange, Milberg announced the interview had to be concluded, stating she was "being told we have to wrap." Larkin's campaign had not responded to requests for comment regarding the abrupt ending of the interview as of the time of reporting.
Larkin is running to unseat Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz. His campaign has criticized Moskowitz for his support of Israel and for receiving backing from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Moskowitz, whose district includes a significant Jewish population, has often engaged with more progressive elements within the Democratic party.
Larkin's platform includes calls to cut funding to Israel, abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and implement a Medicare for All plan. He has also addressed concerns about socialism, emphasizing a belief in "popular collective input over the systems that govern our lives" and upholding civil and constitutional rights, noting that many in his district, like his wife's parents from Cuba, fled socialist countries.
The primary race for Florida's 25th Congressional District, which is rated as a toss-up by the Cook Political Report, is scheduled for Tuesday. This election is seen as a test for the success of far-left candidates in swing districts. Larkin's race, alongside Bri Robinson's in Florida's 4th Congressional District, represents some of the final DSA-backed candidates being evaluated in Democratic primaries during the 2026 midterm election cycle.