Why I’m endorsing Alex Vindman for United States Senator from Florida

*Alex Vindman speaks in Naples, Fla., March 4, 2026. (Photo: Author)*

Aug. 8, 2026 by David Silverberg, Democratic candidate for Florida Senate, District 28

Every political endorsement carries with it risks of disappointing people and fostering disagreement but with so much at stake it’s important that the best qualified people be selected for the most important positions in the state and nation.

That’s why I am endorsing Alex Vindman as the Democratic nominee for US Senator from Florida.

I’m not doing this for any personal political gain or advantage. I could easily sit this out.

But I feel called upon to add my voice because this is a contentious race within the Democratic Party with strong passions on both sides. It’s also why I want to fully explain my reasons for doing it.

First, I want to express my respect and admiration for Florida Rep. Angela “Angie” Nixon (D-13-Jacksonville). I met Rep. Nixon when she came to Naples and was very impressed. She is strong, committed, passionate and determined. Her demonstrations against unconstitutional mid-decade gerrymandering, while dramatic, were warranted by the gravity of the violations she was protesting. She is articulate and a powerful voice for Floridians who otherwise have none. That voice will be valuable in the long term.

Alex Vindman too is strong, determined and committed to American values and ideals. I’ve also had the privilege of hearing him in person and meeting him when he came to Naples. He too is a very impressive candidate.

He’s quieter than Nixon but in his softer voice is the steel of experience and knowledge, tempered in the fire of both physical and political combat.

He’s a man of great integrity and that integrity was put to one of the most grueling tests possible.

No one should forget that it was his fearless and honest reporting of President Donald Trump’s illegal and improper pressure on Ukraine that led to Trump’s first impeachment trial. No one should forget that his honesty and integrity led to the end of what was a promising and distinguished military career that had made him an advisor at the highest levels of government.

That experience is critical to serving as a US Senator. He will be able to face the threats to America with courage and firmness. He will bring unparalleled expertise of the highest workings of government to the US Senate. He will be influential from day one and that will work to Florida’s benefit. When he speaks, the rest of the Senate will listen. When he represents Florida’s interests, they will have weight. A Vindman victory will be a huge victory for Florida.

Vindman’s ability and professionalism are so outstanding it has been recognized outside the United States. These qualities even led the government of Ukraine to offer him the job of Defense Minister three times in the days before the Russian invasion of 2022—an offer he rejected because while he was born in Ukraine he is a proud American citizen.

And his loyalty is reinforced by the fact that he is an immigrant, coming to the United States with his twin brother at the age of four in 1979, so he has a full appreciation of what America means at its best.

Amidst all the hatred and bigotry and lies aimed at immigrants today—especially in Southwest Florida—he is a living demonstration of the value and strength that immigrants bring to America.

America—and Florida—will be richer and stronger by having him serving in the United States Senate and as a senator he will be an example of the promise and hope that America inspires.

Florida is lucky to have Alex Vindman living in the state and being willing to represent it in the Senate. His candidacy is an all-too rare confluence of integrity, ability and electability converging, not in a perfect storm—but in a perfect candidacy that will serve the state and the nation well.

This is the reason that I am endorsing Alex Vindman. I will be voting for him in the August 18th primary and I urge all other Democrats to vote for him as well—and then go on to ensure his victory in the general election on Nov. 3.

This message is approved by David Silverberg and the David Silverberg4Florida campaign.

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