Moderate Democrat defeats DSA-backed challenger in Florida primary
Incumbent Rep. Jared Moskowitz won the Democratic primary in Florida's 25th District, beating DSA-supported Oliver Larkin.
Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a two-term Democrat with a background as a state legislator and former Florida FEMA director, retained his seat in the Democratic primary for the redrawn 25th Congressional District in Florida. He overcame Oliver Larkin, a 33-year-old DSA-endorsed candidate who previously served on Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign and advocated for abolishing the Senate and labeling Israel's ruling coalition as a "religious supremacist regime."
Moskowitz, a staunch supporter of Israel and U.S. military aid, was backed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and indirectly by a leading pro-Israel organization. Larkin's campaign drew support from far-left personalities, including political streamer Hasan Piker, and he asserted that democratic socialism could win nationwide. Moskowitz now faces a Republican opponent in the general election, while Larkin's defeat follows a recent loss for another DSA candidate in Wisconsin. The primary outcome reflects ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party over its ideological direction.
Why it matters
The result shows the centrist wing retaining control of a pivotal swing district, influencing the House balance ahead of the midterms.
How this story developed
- Aug 14 Poll Shows Democrat Gray Narrowly Closing Gap with Rep. Luna in Florida Race
- Aug 14 Governor Ron DeSantis said he will not endorse Rep. Cory Mills, who is under a House Ethics Committee probe and faces personal allegations, as the Florida congressional primary approaches.
- Aug 17 Donald Trump mailed his ballot for the Florida Republican primary, which includes contests for governor and U.S. Senate.
- Aug 18 New poll shows Casey Askar holding a slim lead among multiple candidates in the 22nd District Republican primary.
- Aug 18 Florida's primary elections feature a historic Black Republican gubernatorial candidate and a crowded Democratic field, while both parties gauge Donald Trump's influence in the state.
- Aug 18 The poll also recorded Terri Hasdorff, Michael Thompson and Richard Evans receiving low single‑digit support.
- Aug 18 The primary has taken place, confirming Donalds’s lead and adding a high‑profile celebrity endorsement.
- Aug 18 Byron Donalds announced his run for governor, triggering a crowded primary for his congressional seat.
- Aug 18 A new poll shows Ryan Elijah leading Cory Mills in the GOP primary.
- Aug 18 The administration has asked the Supreme Court to intervene in the legal challenges to the mail‑in ballot order.
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