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Nixon, who would become Florida’s first Black US senator if elected, has also faced questions from some Democrats over her political positioning.
Obama’s endorsement gives Nixon a boost in a state that has shifted towards Republicans, with the progressive lawmaker hoping to flip a Senate seat held by Ashley Moody. (IMAGE: AP/REUTERS)
Former US President Barack Obama on Saturday endorsed progressive Florida state Representative Angie Nixon in her bid for the US Senate, calling her a leader who has repeatedly stood up for what is right.
In a one-minute video, Obama highlighted Nixon’s work as a union and community organiser, drawing a parallel with his own early political career in Chicago.
Nixon, who would become Florida’s first Black US senator if elected, has also faced questions from some Democrats over her political positioning. She joined the Democratic Socialists of America in June but has sought to distinguish her own views from parts of the organisation’s platform. Since launching her Senate campaign in January, she has also said she dislikes political labels.
“Real change starts when regular folks stand up for what’s right,” Obama said in the video. “And Angie has spent her career standing up for you.”
Obama cited Nixon’s role in the campaign to raise Florida’s minimum wage to $15 an hour, as well as her opposition to Republican efforts to redraw the state’s congressional districts. He also referred to Cafe Resistance, the bookstore and cafe she owns, which stocks books that some Florida schools have sought to remove from their libraries.
Nixon previously protested against the congressional redistricting effort by bringing a hot-pink bullhorn to the Florida House floor and sitting in Governor Ron DeSantis’ office for five hours to demand a meeting. The protest resulted in a trespassing charge that was later settled through a fine and community service. A House panel also voted to reprimand her over the floor protest, according to POLITICO.
“Different issues, different moments, one leader – willing to stand up again and again for what’s right,” Obama said. “That’s why I believe Angie will be an outstanding US senator.”
At A Glance
Former US President Barack Obama endorsed Florida state Representative Angie Nixon in her bid for the US Senate.
Nixon launched her Senate campaign in January and joined the Democratic Socialists of America in June.
Obama cited Nixon’s role in raising Florida’s minimum wage to $15 an hour and her opposition to Republican redistricting efforts.
Florida has around 1.5 million more registered Republicans than Democrats.
Nixon said the endorsement meant a great deal to her and would provide momentum to her campaign. Her campaign said she was preparing to vote early in Jacksonville on Saturday, walking from Cafe Resistance to the polling station alongside around 1,000 supporters.
A challenging race for Florida Democrats
Obama’s endorsement comes as Nixon seeks to flip a Senate seat currently held by Republican Ashley Moody, who was appointed to replace Marco Rubio after he became US secretary of state.
Florida has become increasingly difficult territory for Democrats. Obama won the state in both the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections, but Donald Trump has carried it in all three of his presidential campaigns. The state now has around 1.5 million more registered Republicans than Democrats, POLITICO reported.
Nixon, who would become Florida’s first Black US senator if elected, has also faced questions from some Democrats over her political positioning. She joined the Democratic Socialists of America in June but has sought to distinguish her own views from parts of the organisation’s platform. Since launching her Senate campaign in January, she has also said she dislikes political labels.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Barack Obama endorsed Angie Nixon because of her extensive career as a community and union organizer, comparing her early political path to his own in Chicago. He highlighted her continuous efforts to stand up for regular people and fight for causes like raising Florida’s minimum wage and opposing controversial congressional redistricting efforts.
Ask News18About the Author
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a chief sub editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has …Read More
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
October 25, 2026, 2:17 PM IST
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