Florida Lawmaker Angie Nixon Fires Back After Vice President JD Vance Tells Her to Leave America

Vice President JD Vance is facing intense criticism after telling a Black Florida state lawmaker that she does not belong in the United States, according to reporting by Atlanta Black Star. Speaking at a campaign gathering in Lakeland, Florida, Vance targeted state Representative Angie Nixon, a Jacksonville native who is running for the U.S. Senate. During his campaign address, Vance directed sharp remarks toward Nixon's political affiliation and suggested she leave the country.

As reported by Atlanta Black Star, Vance told the audience that when Nixon calls herself a socialist, the appropriate response is to tell her to get out of the country, claiming such views do not belong in America. Nixon, a business owner and mother who joined the Democratic Socialists of America to focus on healthcare and housing goals, advocates for policies including Medicare for All, rent freezes, universal childcare, and increased taxes on billionaires, according to details highlighted by Atlanta Black Star.

Nixon swiftly pushed back against Vance's comments on social media, emphasizing her deep roots in Florida and the historic contributions of her family. According to Atlanta Black Star, Nixon stated on social media that Vance arrived in her home state to tell her to leave while standing in comfort within structures built by her ancestors. Nixon criticized the rhetoric, questioning how political figures can stand on the shoulders of those who built the nation while telling their descendants they do not belong in it.

She further declared that political opponents could take their intrusive agenda elsewhere because she has no intention of leaving. The incident drew widespread criticism from political figures and community members. U.S. Representative Ro Khanna of California publicly condemned Vance's statements, stating on social media that it was disgraceful to tell a Black woman whose ancestors were enslaved to leave the country, according to Atlanta Black Star. The political gathering in Lakeland was part of a broader effort by Vance to support Republican candidates, including U.S.

Senator Ashley Moody, who was appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis following Marco Rubio's transition to Secretary of State. As reported by Atlanta Black Star, public reaction on social media heavily criticized Vance's rhetoric as divisive, with observers noting the historical weight of telling Black Americans to leave a nation built by their ancestors. Nixon remains steadfast in her campaign, reiterating her lifelong connection to Jacksonville and her commitment to serving working families across the state of Florida.