Florida Democrat's primary challenged by socialist candidate, gains union backing

In a significant development within Florida's congressional campaign, democratic socialist Oliver Larkin has successfully persuaded the state's largest labor federation to withhold its endorsement from incumbent Democrat Jared Moskowitz. This decision by the Florida AFL-CIO marks the only instance where the organization has not supported a sitting representative at its annual convention.

Larkin, who has been compared to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani for his political profile, engaged in extensive lobbying efforts. He spent 10 hours presenting a five-page report at the convention, arguing that Moskowitz is "the Democrat the far-right can count on." Key concerns raised against Moskowitz included his perceived alignment with the right, though specific details were not provided in the source text.

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confirms and demonstrates the validity of what we have been defending in our campaign from the beginning.

The labor federation's decision not to endorse Moskowitz leaves no candidate in Florida's 25th Congressional District currently backed by the Florida AFL-CIO. This district encompasses a coastal area stretching from Palm Beach County to Miami Beach. Larkin, a union organizer and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, views the union's decision as validation of his campaign's core message.

Larkin's platform includes ambitious proposals such as a $25 minimum wage, electoral reform, and abolishing the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. His campaign's alignment with the growing influence of democratic socialists, following recent victories in states like New York, signals a potential shift in the Democratic Party's internal dynamics.

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In 2025, New Yorkers elected a 34-year-old democratic socialist as mayor. In 2026, South Floridians will elect a 34-year-old democratic socialist to Congress.