Sanders is turning his attention to Florida Democrats — Here is why

Ervin Shkulaku/DUANEWS

Sen. Bernie Sanders is sending $250,000 to the Florida Democratic Party, bringing new national attention — and money — to Democrats in the Sunshine State just weeks before the November election.

The Vermont independent, who caucuses with Democrats, is directing the money through a victory fund connected to the state party and Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Angie Nixon, according to Axios.

The contribution is notable not only because of its size, but also because of the political relationship behind it.

Sanders backs Jacksonville’s Angie Nixon

Nixon, a Florida state representative from Jacksonville, is the Democratic nominee challenging Republican U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody.

Sanders endorsed Nixon following her Democratic primary victory in August.

The two also have a history together: Nixon worked on Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign as an African American outreach deputy field director.

Sanders has also sent organizers and staff to Florida to assist Nixon’s campaign with voter outreach, including phone banking, texting and campaign literature.

An unusual alliance inside Florida’s Democratic Party

The $250,000 contribution comes despite ideological differences within Florida’s Democratic coalition.

Some moderate Democrats in the state have previously expressed concerns about being closely associated with Sanders and democratic socialism.

Nixon joined the Democratic Socialists of America this year, and her nomination has generated debate within the party over its political direction and strategy in Florida.

But with the November election approaching, the state party and Nixon’s campaign have increasingly aligned their operations.

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried has been seeking additional support from national donors as Democrats attempt to compete across the state.

According to Axios, some Democrats welcomed Sanders’ financial help, while others expressed concern about the political implications of becoming more closely associated with him.

Florida attracting national political money

Sanders isn’t the only major political figure putting money into Florida.

Outside groups are also spending millions in the U.S. Senate race. A super PAC backed by billionaire Ken Griffin has spent nearly $5 million supporting Moody, according to Reuters.

That means Florida’s Senate contest is attracting outside money from both sides as Election Day approaches.

Nixon and Moody will face Florida voters in the November 3 general election.

With Sanders now contributing $250,000 to the Florida Democratic Party, the fight for Florida is drawing even more national attention in the final weeks of the campaign.