Bernie Sanders Donates $250,000 to Florida Democratic Party Amid Political Shift

<p><em>MIAMI</em> — Vermont Sen. <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/23/sanders-casar-bill-dem-ai-approach-regulation" target="_blank">Bernie Sanders</a> is sending the Florida Democratic Party $250,000. This donation is notable in the context of the state's political landscape.</p><p><strong>Why it matters: </strong>The Florida Democratic Party has faced financial challenges and political setbacks, leading to a collaboration with Sanders, who has been a prominent figure in the rise of democratic socialism.</p><hr /><ol><li>The Florida Democratic Party is experiencing financial difficulties after years of being out of power, and national Democratic organizations have not provided significant assistance.</li><li><a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/21/florida-senate-angie-nixon-socialist" target="_blank">Angie Nixon</a>, who recently joined the Democratic Socialists of America, is the party's U.S. Senate nominee, and Sanders has endorsed her.</li></ol><p><strong>Zoom in:</strong> Despite being outspent, Nixon and Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly are polling closely to their Republican opponents, Sen. Ashley Moody and Rep. Byron Donalds.</p><ul><li>National Democrats have been reluctant to invest in Florida due to past electoral defeats, particularly against President Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis, which have made the state appear less favorable for investment.</li><li>This year, with Republican support declining nationally, other states such as Texas, Ohio, Iowa, and Alaska are viewed as more promising for Democrats.</li></ul><p><strong>That could change soon.</strong> Nixon <a href="https://x.com/AaronParnas/status/2105762942549684513" target="_blank">told</a> a liberal podcaster that the chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, held a fundraiser for her.</p><ul><li>Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) may also provide financial support.</li><li>Nixon mentioned that funding for Black women candidates, particularly in the South, has been cautious following Vice President [Kamala] Harris's loss.</li></ul><p><strong>Behind the scenes: </strong>Florida Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried has been seeking funding from national donors but had not approached Sanders due to ideological differences within the state party.</p><ul><li>Socialist views have historically been seen as liabilities in Florida, where many Hispanic voters have connections to countries with leftist histories.</li><li>However, when Sanders indicated willingness to contribute to a joint fund for the state party and Nixon's campaign, Fried supported the initiative.</li><li>Fried expressed confidence in Nixon's ability to mobilize the party's base, stating that support for Nixon would benefit other candidates as well.</li></ul><p><strong>Friction point: </strong>Some establishment Democrats are divided over Sanders' involvement, with some feeling he should contribute more than $250,000.</p><ul><li>Florida Rep. Lois Frankel criticized Sanders, suggesting he should send more funds.</li><li>Concerns were raised about the potential backlash from Republicans regarding the association with Sanders.</li><li>South Miami Mayor Javier Fernandez warned that aligning with Sanders could harm the party's long-term prospects.</li><li>Some view the collaboration as a compromise of core values that could alienate mainstream voters.</li></ul><p><strong>The big picture: </strong>The Democratic Party is undergoing changes as progressive and socialist-aligned candidates gain traction.</p><ul><li>A recent <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/714653/socialism-positive-rating-tops-first-time.aspx" target="_blank">Gallup survey</a> indicated that 65% of Democrats now view socialism favorably, with increased support among independents.</li><li>Nixon's campaign is attracting significant crowds and organizing efforts, contrasting with Jolly's lower-profile candidacy.</li></ul><p><strong>Between the lines: </strong>Nixon's campaign is now aligned with the state party, which is providing additional support.</p><ul><li>The state party has mobilized around 6,000 volunteers, helping Democrats secure 46 seats in various elections over the past two years.</li><li>Florida Democrats are improving in voter registration compared to Republicans.</li><li>Sanders has sent staff to assist Nixon's campaign with outreach efforts.</li></ul><p><strong>Yes, but: </strong>Florida Republicans maintain a significant voter registration advantage, with over 1.5 million more registered voters than Democrats.</p><ul><li>Republicans have a well-established turnout operation that has historically kept the state leaning red.</li><li>Some GOP consultants express skepticism about the viability of a Democratic Socialist candidate in a general election.</li></ul><p><strong>What they're saying: </strong>Nixon's campaign manager, Eunic Ortiz, emphasized the importance of grassroots organizing over large donations.</p><ul><li>Ortiz noted that while Republican donors may outspend them, their strategy focuses on community engagement.</li><li>An ally of Fried acknowledged that while Sanders' contribution was unexpected, it signals growing national interest in Florida.</li></ul><p><em>Axios' Holly Otterbein contributed to this story.</em></p>