Angie Nixon, a Democratic candidate for the Florida Senate, unequivocally declared to CiberCuba in an exclusive interview that "Cuba is absolutely a dictatorship." She strongly opposed any tributes to Fidel Castro, likening him to Donald Trump by stating that she does not support "celebrating the authoritarian leader in Washington" either.
These remarks came just two days following a controversial response on CBS News where Nixon ambiguously stated, "That's what I've been told. I've never been to Cuba, so I'll have to take their word for it," which sparked a wave of bipartisan criticism. This backlash compelled CBS to retract its initial publication and reissue it with an editorial note acknowledging that the first version did not accurately reflect Nixon's response.
In her conversation with CiberCuba, Nixon firmly distanced herself from the Cuban regime, stating, "I reject dictatorship and authoritarianism of any kind, whether in Cuba, Venezuela, or here in the United States."
Nixon also dissociated herself from a statement made by the International Committee of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) on July 11, 2021, during the protests in Cuba, which expressed solidarity with the Cuban "revolution" without condemning state repression. "No, I do not support those statements. My solidarity will always be with those who suffer and demand their rights," she asserted.
Addressing the crisis in Cuba, Nixon pointed to the regime as the primary culprit: "The regime is responsible for the current situation, including the economic crisis, although the U.S. embargo has contributed to making things more difficult."
The candidate also responded to accusations of being a communist and socialist by Trump, Republican Senator Ashley Moody, and the Florida Republican Party. "I am not a communist, I am not a socialist. When asked if I believe in capitalism, my answer is simple: I am a small business owner," she stated.
Nixon went further, turning the accusations back on her opponents: "I have more doubts about the communist leanings of someone who cozies up to Delcy Rodríguez, Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un, and China's leader. And that's Donald Trump."
Phil Ehr, a Democrat running for the House in Florida's 28th district, refrained from defending Nixon after the CBS controversy, stating, "Cuba is a communist dictatorship, and any Senate hopeful should be able to say that without hesitation."
The race, scheduled for November 3, 2026, aims to fill the seat vacated by Marco Rubio, who was appointed Secretary of State. A mid-October NBC Miami poll placed Moody at 51% compared to Nixon's 42% statewide, although among Latino voters, the margin narrowed to just one point: 45% for Nixon and 44% for Moody.
Nixon also addressed the plight of deported Cubans and those stuck in immigration limbo with the I-220A form. She labeled Trump as the "chief deporter of Cubans" and pledged that, if elected to the Senate, she would advocate for the legalization of these Cubans under the Cuban Adjustment Act. "We cannot continue to terrorize victims of authoritarian governments who have come to our country seeking refuge," she concluded.
Insights into Angie Nixon's Stance on Cuba
What is Angie Nixon's position on the Cuban regime?
Angie Nixon firmly opposes the Cuban regime, labeling it as a dictatorship and rejecting any form of authoritarianism.
How did Nixon respond to accusations of being a communist?
Nixon denied being a communist or socialist, emphasizing her identity as a small business owner and expressing doubts about her opponents' associations with known authoritarian leaders.
What are Nixon's views on the U.S. embargo on Cuba?
Nixon acknowledges the U.S. embargo's role in exacerbating Cuba's economic difficulties while holding the regime primarily responsible for the crisis.