Angie Nixon Says the Fight for Black Voting Power Demands Elected Officials ‘Get Louder’

As Black Floridians confront shrinking representation and political disillusionment, Nixon says the moment demands persistence.

By Brandon Tensley, Capital B

Angie Nixon has spent more than two decades advocating for Black and working-class communities in Florida. But the Jacksonville native didn’t make a splash on the national stage until she stunned many in her bid to become the state’s first Black senator.

The Democratic Socialist trounced her better-funded opponent Alex Vindman in Florida’s Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. She did so at a time of intense debate over whether the party’s left flank, whose members have largely been winning their races, can continue to connect with voters ahead of the midterm elections in November. Centering issues such as Medicare for All in her platform, Nixon will compete against Republican U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody.

But until Tuesday, Nixon’s surprise victory had come with a hitch that most Senate nominees don’t have to worry about: a criminal case. She faced misdemeanor trespassing and other charges springing from a protest outside Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office in May. Nixon was arrested after she refused to leave while seeking a meeting with DeSantis about a redistricting plan that advocates say would dilute Black voting power.

Nixon’s case was resolved on Tuesday, with her agreeing to pay a $250 fine and serve 15 hours of community service. She could have received up to two years in jail.