Vance tells Nixon ‘You Do not belong in America’ — She fires back

Ervin Shkulaku/DUANEWS

A heated political clash erupted in Florida Thursday after Vice President J.D. Vance told Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon that she “doesn’t belong in America,” prompting a sharp response from the Jacksonville lawmaker.

Vance made the remarks during a Republican campaign rally at Lakeland Linder International Airport, where he appeared alongside U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody and Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds.

While criticizing Nixon over her political views and her affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America, Vance told the crowd:

“Then get the hell out of here. You don’t belong in America.”

The remark came after Vance described Nixon as a self-proclaimed socialist and argued that her political ideology was out of step with Florida voters.

Nixon, who currently represents part of Jacksonville in the Florida House and is challenging Moody for a U.S. Senate seat in November, quickly responded.

“This is my home,” Nixon said in a written statement.

She accused Vance and Moody of focusing on political attacks rather than issues affecting Florida families, pointing specifically to property insurance and health care costs.

Nixon made clear that she had no intention of leaving, saying she would continue campaigning on those economic issues.

Vance intensifies criticism of Nixon

Vance did not stop with his initial remark.

During the rally, he also criticized Nixon’s political positions and her Jacksonville bookstore, Cafe Resistance, before urging supporters to help elect Moody in November.

Vance told the audience that Republicans needed to explain their objections to Nixon’s record and views to Florida voters.

The vice president also targeted Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly during his speech while encouraging Republican supporters to turn out for the November election.

A high-profile Senate battle

The exchange comes with just weeks remaining before Florida voters decide the U.S. Senate contest between Moody and Nixon.

Moody won the Republican nomination, while Nixon secured the Democratic nomination after defeating Alexander Vindman in the August primary.

Nixon has campaigned as a progressive focused on issues including affordability and health care. Moody has emphasized her law-enforcement record and conservative positions.

The two candidates will face each other in Florida’s general election on November 3.

Thursday’s confrontation in Lakeland adds another highly personal moment to a Senate campaign that is entering its final stretch.

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