Angie Nixon

Opposing parties and candidates have defined State Representative Angie Nixon as a socialist due to the nature of her progressive policy beliefs. Nixon, though, has denied being a socialist, but rather a person who wants everyday people to dictate what lawmakers do.

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement comes after Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, the nation's most influential liberal and progressive voice, announced his support of Nixon.

Sen. Bernie Sanders said Angie Nixon's "decades of experience as an organizer enabled her to build a powerful grassroots campaign — a rainbow coalition of labor and community groups."

The political scientist says Nixon has to continue to take her case to the voters in person, while combating the "Democratic socialist" label Republicans are already lobbing at her.

Nixon, backed by progressive figures, has championed policies like universal healthcare. Her victory is seen as a sign of growing momentum for progressives in the region.

NPR's Juana Summers talks with Angie Nixon, a progressive democrat who won her U.S. Senate primary in Florida despite being massively outmatched in terms of spending.

It’s time to follow up on Tuesday night's election results. Did any change your calculus for the November general election?

Nixon was endorsed by Our Revolution, a national progressive organization associated with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. She faces incumbent U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody in the general election.