Angie Nixon says goodbye to the Florida House as U.S. Senate calls

Jacksonville Democratic Rep. Angie Nixon had more conflicts during her six Sessions in Tallahassee than bills passed or appropriations brought home.

But her farewell speech  took a positive tack, discussing the “honor and the privilege” of serving Duval County and giving stories of constituent service, including helping people on the verge of homelessness and those struggling with the unemployment compensation system during the pandemic.

“To the Democrats, the battle can’t be won unless we get in the fight. We owe it to our community to demand more than what they just give us. We need to put people over profit, politics, and even people over party. It’s been great being in this fight with you, especially my junior class. And especially the Black Girl Magic squad, (Sen. Lavon) Bracy Davis, (Rep. Michelle) Rayner.”

Nixon battled tears as she thanked friends and family, and other politicians, notably saying she was Malcolm X to Sen. Tracie Davis’ Martin Luther King Jr., before she moved back to her politics and policy considerations, with words tailored to beyond Tallahassee.

“My job was to make you see and hear the people you were elected to serve because they do not have the absurd wealth required to buy access to you all and what they deserve,” Nixon said.

“I want to remind Floridians that we deserve more than what we’ve been getting, and we have the opportunity to build a new vision for our country. One where every family has stability, and every worker has dignity, and every child has the opportunity to really, truly reach the American dream. I look forward to continuing to fight on the front lines for everyone across this state and across this country, and I look forward to representing y’all in D.C.”

House Speaker Daniel Perez was the only one to speak after her remarks, and the Miami Republican was careful in his words.

“Representative Nixon, while we haven’t seen eye to eye on many of the issues, I do understand that you worked very hard, and you’ve represented your district with determination, and we wish you the best. Good luck.”

Then, very quickly, discussion moved back to the amendment process of a bill under consideration.

Nixon took the unusual step of launching her Senate campaign during the Legislative Session, and the path forward will be challenging, with Lt. Col. Alex Vindman already fundraising well.

Should she win the Primary, she will likely face incumbent Republican Ashley Moody, who won two races statewide for Attorney General.