Former National Security Council aide Alex Vindman, a retired lieutenant colonel and Iraq War veteran who was a prominent figure during President Trump’s 2019 impeachment hearings, lost his bid for U.S. Senate in Florida’s Democratic primary.

Vindman fell to progressive state Representative Angie Nixon, who held a double-digit lead despite raising significantly less money than her opponent. The race will conclude in November when Nixon faces Republican Senator Ashley Moody.

Vindman raised more than $16 million during his campaign—a substantial sum for a Democrat running in Florida’s red-leaning district—while Nixon brought in under $1 million. “We showed the world what organized people can accomplish,” Nixon told supporters Tuesday night. “And we showed the world what people of Florida are all about: Medicare for all, universal child care, real and affordable housing, fully funded public education, and an end to senseless wars.”

Vindman was recruited by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee to expand its presence in a midterm cycle expected to favor Democrats. In a statement, Vindman praised Nixon’s campaign. “I will be standing by her side in the fight against Ashley Moody,” he said. “I hope you’ll join me.”

During her victory speech, Nixon addressed Vindman’s supporters, saying, “there is a place for you” in her movement. “The great thing about our movement is we are not trying to force everyone to agree with us and believe exactly the same thing,” she added.

Nixon, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, will face a significant challenge against Moody in November. Her victory strengthens the Democratic Socialists of America, which she joined recently—she also serves as a member of the progressive Working Families Party.

The two Democrats were competing to serve the last two years of Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s term, set to expire in 2028. Whoever wins November will need to run again in 2028 to complete a full six-year Senate term.

Moody, a former Florida attorney general appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to fill Rubio’s seat in 2025, easily defeated three longshot challengers for the GOP nomination.

Vindman secured endorsements from key Democrats including Senators Mark Kelly (Arizona), Jack Reed (Rhode Island), and Tammy Duckworth (Illinois), as well as Florida state Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman. Nixon received support from progressive House members, including Representative Maxwell Frost (Florida), Ilhan Omar (Minnesota), and Rashida Tlaib (Michigan).

Vindman also highlighted his history of standing up to Trump during the first impeachment, testifying before Congress that the president had pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate former President Biden—a decision by Zelensky that has been widely condemned.

Trump defended the remarks as a “perfect” call and was ultimately acquitted by the Senate.