Florida Democratic voters deserve the opportunity to hear directly from both candidates running for the United States Senate before casting their ballots in the August 18 primary.

State Representative Angie Nixon has publicly accepted invitations to debate retired Lt. Col. Alex Vindman. Yet with ballots already being cast and the primary quickly approaching, Vindman has still not committed to debating her.

For months, Florida voters have been asking Vindman to participate in a debate, answer questions directly and acknowledge the Democratic primary happening before the general election. Instead, he has repeatedly said that he is laser focused on the general.

Democratic voters—not campaign donors, national political organizations or party insiders—will decide who earns the nomination.

Recent campaign appearances have only increased concerns about accessibility. Voters have described submitting questions that were never answered, being kept at a distance and watching Vindman leave events without meaningfully engaging with the people whose votes he is asking for. At the Florida Democratic Party’s Leadership Blue gathering, supporters seeking answers about major issues were unable to question him directly before he was rushed inside.

Meanwhile, Angie Nixon has been very accessible while traveling across Florida, attending community events, canvassing, answering difficult questions and speaking directly with the people she hopes to represent. She has agreed to stand on the same stage and answer the same questions as that is typically what happens in elections.  Even though Vindman has NEVER been an elected official, he should know that, or at least his handlers should.  

Majority of Florida voters believe that a debate is a responsibility to Florida voters.

Florida Democrats deserve to hear both candidates address the issues affecting our lives, including:

Rising costs and affordability

Property insurance and housing

Public education

Healthcare

Reproductive freedom

Labor rights and unions

Immigration

Voting rights and democracy

Foreign policy, including Gaza, Israel and Iran

Climate change and Florida’s environment

The United States Senate is one of the most powerful institutions in our government. No candidate should expect Democratic voters to hand them the nomination without standing beside their opponent and answering directly to the people.

This petition is a call for transparency, accountability and respect for Florida voters.

Alex Vindman, stop looking past the Democratic primary. Debate Angie Nixon before August 18.

Sign and share this petition if you believe Florida Democratic voters deserve a public, independently moderated debate between Angie Nixon and Alex Vindman before casting their ballots.