Former White House national security official Alexander Vindman, who was a key witness in President Donald Trump’s first impeachment trial, announced on Tuesday (January 27) that he is running for the United States Senate in Florida as a Democrat.
Vindman became widely known in 2019 when, as a member of the National Security Council, he raised concerns about President Trump’s call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. That call led to the first impeachment proceedings against President Trump, who was later acquitted by the Senate.
If nominated, Vindman will challenge Republican Senator Ashley Moody, a former state attorney general who was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Marco Rubio when he became secretary of state in President Trump’s second term. The November special election winner will serve the remaining two years of Rubio’s term.
In his campaign launch video, Vindman highlighted his impeachment testimony and criticized President Trump, calling him a “wannabe tyrant.” He also referenced recent controversies, including the deaths of two U.S. citizens during a federal deportation campaign in Minnesota. Vindman said, “This president unleashed a reign of terror and retribution, not just against me and my family but against all of us.” He called on voters to “stand with me now to put a check on Donald Trump and the corrupt politicians who think your tax dollars are their personal piggy bank.“
Vindman is the most prominent Democrat to enter the race so far, and Democrats hope his fundraising ability and national profile will improve their chances in a state that has shifted toward Republicans in recent years. No Democrat has won a Senate seat in Florida since 2012.
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