Moody and Nixon clash on federal spending for Florida Senate

Republican Sen. Ashley Moody and Democratic challenger Angie Nixon offer different answers to a question facing Florida voters: how to make life more affordable. Both candidates agree that costs are high, but they disagree on whether the federal government should spend more or collect less.

Nixon, a state representative from Jacksonville, argues that the federal government should take a bigger role in daily life. She proposes Medicare for All, universal child care, paid family leave, and a national rent stabilization policy. She also supports raising the minimum wage and adding a wealth tax on billionaires. Nixon says these changes would not raise taxes for most Americans, affecting only ultra-wealthy individuals.

Moody, a Republican from Plant City, takes the opposite approach. She believes the federal government should reduce its involvement in the economy to let families keep more of their earnings. She points to recent Republican tax changes, including a new deduction for tips and an expanded child tax credit, as proof that her party is delivering results. Moody told reporters in Indian Rocks Beach that she means it when she says government should get out of people's way.

The race has also turned on political identity. Moody has criticized Nixon for joining the Democratic Socialists of America in June. Nixon says she does not support every policy of the group and rejects the label of a pure socialist. She describes her position as giving people more control over their communities and economies. Prominent progressive figures, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, have supported her campaign.

Nixon is also pressing Moody on the Hope Florida program. A $10 million Medicaid settlement paid to the Hope Florida Foundation was later used to help fund a political committee opposing a marijuana legalization amendment. A grand jury report called the transfer a misappropriation of funds but did not indict anyone. Moody called the criticism political. In October, the First District Court of Appeal ordered the report expunged, ruling that the grand jury had exceeded its authority.

Moody was appointed to the Senate in January 2025 after Marco Rubio left the seat to become secretary of state. She previously served as Florida attorney general from 2019 to 2025. Nixon won the Democratic primary in the summer. Early voting has started in many counties, and Election Day is set for Nov. 3.