Florida Democratic primaries test the party's establishment over Israel and Medicare for All

Aug 17, 2026

Two progressive challengers in South Florida are running against long-time Democratic incumbents, and the fight over Israel has turned ugly — bad news for party unity, and a sign of how deep the split now runs.

  • Elijah Manley is challenging Debbie Wasserman Schultz in Florida's 20th district; Oliver Larkin is taking on Jared Moskowitz in the 25th.
  • A joint rally with Rashida Tlaib was thrown out of two venues after a pressure campaign, with candidates reporting death threats and a leaked home address.
  • A Florida Democratic state lawmaker attacked the rally as anti-Semitic and joined forces with right-wing figures like Laura Loomer to shut it down.
  • Larkin's local TV interview went viral after the anchor cut him off for calling Gaza a genocide, citing UN and human rights group findings.
  • Manley says Wasserman Schultz moved into a district drawn to guarantee Black representation, betting a split field lets her squeeze through.

Outlook: Voting happens Tuesday, and even a loss would show how far Democratic voters have drifted from leaders like Hakeem Jeffries on Israel and Medicare for All.

← Latest · Archive