Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a moderate Democrat, has won the primary election in Florida's 25th Congressional District, defeating Oliver Larkin, a candidate endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
The victory for Moskowitz, a two-term congressman, represents a setback for the more progressive wing of the Democratic Party in a key swing district. Florida's 25th Congressional District, anchored by Broward County, is considered a competitive seat that could influence the balance of power in the House of Representatives.
Larkin, 33, a veteran of Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign, was the only DSA-endorsed House candidate running in a competitive swing district. He had expressed support for abolishing the U.S. Senate, calling it an "undemocratic institution," and referred to Israel's ruling coalition as a "religious supremacist regime." Moskowitz, conversely, is a vocal supporter of Israel and advocates for U.S. military and security assistance to the country.
Moskowitz received backing from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and indirectly from AIPAC, a pro-Israel political group. Larkin had support from prominent progressive figures, including political streamer Hasan Piker.
Larkin told Fox News prior to the election that he was "very proud" to carry the "torch forward as a DSA candidate" and expressed confidence that "Democratic socialism can win in any district, in any race, for any office all across the country."
Moskowitz will now face the winner of the Republican primary in the general election. That Republican field included Dan Franzese, Raven Harrison, Joe Kaufman, former state Rep. George Moraitis, and former Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer.
Larkin's defeat follows another recent setback for the far left in Democratic primaries. Last week, DSA member Francesca Hong lost a close race for Wisconsin governor. However, progressives also saw a significant win two weeks ago when Abdul El-Sayed narrowly defeated Rep. Haley Stevens for the Democratic Senate nomination in Michigan.