Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., has voiced strong skepticism regarding Florida Democratic Senate nominee Angie Nixon's assertion that she is not a socialist, despite her membership in the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Gimenez, who fled Fidel Castro's Cuba as a child, stated that Nixon's denial should be a cause for concern for voters, particularly following her unexpected primary victory.
Nixon, who defeated former White House official Alexander Vindman in the Democratic primary, has acknowledged her DSA membership but maintains she is not a socialist. She explained her affiliation with the group stems from its platform on issues such as public housing, healthcare, veterans' affairs, and campaign finance reform.
"She's either a bona-fide socialist, or she's not very smart, because she ended up being a member of the Democratic Socialists of America," Gimenez told Fox News Digital. He added, "Socialists [and] communists, deny what they are until they get into power."
Gimenez drew parallels between Nixon's situation and the early days of the Cuban Revolution, recalling how Castro initially denied being a Marxist or communist before later embracing those ideologies. He argued that such political pivots are designed to mislead the public and that Nixon's positions, along with those of other DSA members, are unlikely to resonate with a broader electorate.
Citing Venezuela and Nicaragua as examples, Gimenez contended that socialist and communist movements often exploit democratic processes to dismantle democratic institutions. He pointed to actions such as packing the Supreme Court and restructuring government branches to consolidate power, suggesting these tactics are characteristic of such regimes.
"Sound familiar?" Gimenez asked, implying a comparison to proposals from the DSA concerning the abolition of the Senate and restructuring of the Supreme Court. He also referenced Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega's recent announcement to halt future elections, framing it as evidence of socialism's ultimate rejection of democratic principles.
Gimenez expressed confidence that incumbent Republican Sen. Ashley Moody will defeat Nixon in the November general election. He noted that his own district, which has a significant Hispanic population including immigrants from Cuba and Venezuela, has personal experience with the consequences of socialism.
He also addressed the DSA's public statements on Cuba, including remarks celebrating Fidel Castro's birthday and criticizing U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio's stance on the embargo. Gimenez argued that the embargo does not prevent the import of essential goods and that Cuba's economic struggles are a result of its leadership's incompetence and communist ideology.
"Why are they broke? Because they're incompetent. Why are incompetent? Because they are communists," Gimenez stated. He contrasted the Cuban healthcare system with socialist talking points, describing it as lacking supplies and medicines and limiting public access to pharmaceuticals.
"I have seen socialism. I want no part of it. And hopefully the American people once they understand exactly what that brings and the price that you're going to pay because they lose your freedom, that they'll say we want no part of this," Gimenez concluded.