Retired Army Lt. Col. Alex Vindman has raised $8.2 million in his Democratic bid to represent Florida in the Senate, a significant haul that Democrats say signals renewed energy in a state long dominated by Republicans, according to newly reported campaign figures.
Vindman, 49, a former National Security Council official who gained national attention as a key witness in President Donald Trump’s first impeachment trial in his first term, is seeking the Democratic nomination in the 2026 special election.
His campaign said the fundraising total reflects strong grassroots support and national donor interests as Democrats look to compete in a state that has trended reliably red in recent history.
The early fundraising advantage stands in stark contrast to incumbent Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL), 50, who reported a little over $69,000 in cash on hand at the end of 2025, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Moody’s first-quarter fundraising report is not due until April 15, at which point her latest fundraising numbers will be published.
Moody, a former Florida attorney general, was appointed to the Senate seat in 2025 by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) after Trump tapped Marco Rubio to serve as secretary of state.
The race is shaping up as a high-profile test of whether Democrats can regain a footing in Florida, where the party has not won a Senate seat since 2012 and where Republicans hold a voter registration advantage. Still, recent polling has suggested a possibly competitive environment with Trump-endorsed Moody’s support hovering below 50% against possible Democratic challengers.
Vindman is one of several Democrats vying for the nomination, though his national profile has made him an early front-runner. His campaign has leaned heavily on his military service and his role in exposing Trump’s dealings with Ukraine, framing his candidacy as a continuation of what he describes as a commitment to defending democratic institutions.
Democrats more broadly have pointed to signs of organizational momentum in Florida, including efforts to rebuild voter registration infrastructure and expand outreach after years of electoral setbacks.
After flipping two seats in a state legislature special election last week, Democrats in the Sunshine State are looking to build on that momentum and gain an edge on the GOP with voter registration.
FLORIDA DEMOCRATS PUSH VOTER REGISTRATION PROGRAM AFTER FLIPPING TWO SEATS
Still, Republicans argue the state remains firmly in their control, noting recent statewide victories and a growing registration edge. Moody has the backing of Trump and enters the race as an incumbent with no GOP challengers, giving her structural advantages despite the fundraising gap.
The primary elections in Florida are slated for Aug. 18, when Democrats and Republicans will choose a candidate to represent their parties in the Nov. 3 general election.