Moskowitz Faces DSA Foe Who Called Israel ‘Supremacist Regime’
Florida, Alaska, and Wyoming Primaries: A Simple Guide to Tuesday’s Big Political Showdowns
Why These Primaries Matter
Important Point: Think of primaries like semi-finals before the big championship game (the general election in November). Voters in each party pick their favorite candidate to represent them later. Tuesday’s races in Florida, Alaska, and Wyoming could shape who controls the Senate, the House, and key governor’s offices.
The Big Story: Democrats Fighting Democrats in Florida
Florida’s 25th District: The Main Event
Imagine a boxing match where both fighters wear the same color trunks. That’s happening in Florida’s 25th Congressional District (Broward County area):
| Oliver Larkin (Challenger) | Jared Moskowitz (Incumbent) |
|---|---|
| DSA-endorsed (Democratic Socialists of America) | Establishment Democrat |
| Age: 33 | Two-term Congressman |
| Background: Worked on Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign | Background: Former state rep, FL emergency management director |
| Wants to abolish the U.S. Senate (calls it "undemocratic") | Strong supporter of Israel |
| Calls Israel’s government a "religious supremacist regime" | Backed by AIPAC (major pro-Israel group) |
| Supported by: Far-left figures like Hasan Piker | Supported by: DCCC (Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee) |
Important Point: This district is a swing seat — one of about two dozen House races that will decide if Republicans keep their tiny majority. The winner here could tip the balance of power in Congress!
Florida’s 20th District: Wasserman Schultz in Trouble?
Long-time Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (11 terms, former DNC Chair) faces a crowded field:
- Elijah Manley — 27-year-old substitute teacher, DSA-endorsed, overcame childhood homelessness
- Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick — Former Congresswoman (resigned over $5M fund misuse allegations, which she denies)
- Dale Holness — Former Broward County Mayor
- Luther "Uncle Luke" Campbell — Rapper from 2 Live Crew, community activist
Criticism: Wasserman Schultz is the only White candidate running for a majority-minority seat represented by Black lawmakers for 30 years.
Florida’s Other Big Races
Governor Race: Who Replaces Ron DeSantis?
DeSantis is term-limited. The Republican field is packed:
- Byron Donalds — Congressman, backed by Donald Trump
- Jay Collins — Lieutenant Governor
- Paul Renner — Former Florida House Speaker
- James Fishback — Businessman
Democratic side: Former Republican David Jolly (switched parties last year) is the best-known candidate. Fun fact: No Democrat has won Florida governor in 30+ years.
Senate Race: Finishing Marco Rubio’s Term
Rubio left early to join Trump’s admin. DeSantis appointed Ashley Moody (former FL Attorney General) to fill the seat.
Republican Primary: Moody vs. 3 challengers
Democratic Primary: Alex Vindman (retired Army Lt. Col., testified in Trump’s first impeachment) vs. Angie Nixon (progressive state rep)
Democrats hope to flip this seat in November to regain Senate control.
Alaska: The "Top Four" System Makes Things Interesting
Alaska uses a unique system: Everyone runs together, top 4 advance to November regardless of party.
Senate Race: Dan Sullivan vs. Mary Peltola
| Sen. Dan Sullivan (R) | Mary Peltola (D) |
|---|---|
| Incumbent seeking re-election | Former Congresswoman |
| Expected tough fight | Formidable challenger |
| Distanced herself from Kamala Harris’ endorsement last week |
Plot twist: There’s another Dan Sullivan on the ballot (a former teacher)! Republicans tried to block him, claiming he’s a "Democratic plant" to confuse voters. He and Peltola deny this.
Other Alaska Races
- Governor: Mike Dunleavy term-limited → crowded field
- House: Nick Begich (R) seeking re-election
Wyoming: Trump’s Pick for Senate
- Harriet Hageman (current Congresswoman) running for Cynthia Lummis’ Senate seat (she’s retiring)
- Trump endorsement: Hageman has it
- Also primaries for: Governor (Mark Gordon term-limited) and House (Hageman’s current seat)
California Bonus: Special Election
Eric Swalwell resigned 4 months ago (sexual assault allegations, which sank his CA gov bid). Both candidates are Democrats, so Republicans lose a House seat temporarily — making their majority even razor-thinner.
Recent Context: The Democratic "Civil War"
| Recent DSA Wins | Recent DSA Loss |
|---|---|
| Abdul El-Sayed (Michigan Senate primary) | Francesca Hong (Wisconsin gov primary) |
| Peggy Flanagan (Minnesota Lt. Gov primary) |
Result: A Democratic group just launched a $15 MILLION campaign against DSA candidates, calling them "mortal danger" to the party.
Summary: What to Watch Tuesday Night
- Florida 25th District — Can a socialist unseat a pro-Israel moderate in a swing seat?
- Florida 20th District — Does Wasserman Schultz survive a diverse challenger field?
- Florida Gov/Senate — Trump’s pick (Donalds) vs. establishment; Moody vs. Vindman/Nixon in Nov
- Alaska Senate — Sullivan vs. Peltola in unique "top 4" system
- Wyoming — Hageman’s coronation for Senate?
- National implication — House majority, Senate control, Democratic Party direction
FAQ
What is the DSA?
Democratic Socialists of America — the largest socialist organization in the US. They push for policies like Medicare for All, Green New Deal, and strong labor rights. Think of them as the farthest-left wing of the Democratic coalition.
Why does Florida’s 25th District matter so much?
It’s a swing district — voters there split roughly 50/50 between parties. With Republicans holding only a few-seat majority in the House, flipping even ONE seat like this could change who controls Congress.
What’s Alaska’s "Top Four" primary?
Instead of separate Democratic and Republican primaries, everyone runs on one ballot. The top 4 vote-getters (regardless of party) advance to November. Then voters rank them in the general election. It’s designed to reduce extremism.
Who is Alex Vindman?
A retired Army Lieutenant Colonel who became famous for testifying during Trump’s first impeachment about the Ukraine phone call. He’s now running as a Democrat for Senate in Florida.
Why is Debbie Wasserman Schultz controversial in her own primary?
She’s a White woman running in a majority-Black district that’s been represented by Black lawmakers for 30 years. Many local Black leaders say the seat should go to a Black candidate. She also doesn’t live in the district (though that’s legal).
Bottom Line: Tuesday isn’t just about picking candidates — it’s a referendum on the soul of the Democratic Party (left vs. center), a test of Trump’s endorsement power, and a preview of the battle for Congress. Grab popcorn!