Bernie Sanders backs Angie Nixon after her stunning Florida primary upset

Sen.

Bernie Sanders endorsed Florida Democratic Senate nominee Angie Nixon on Thursday, two days after she stunned the party establishment by defeating heavily funded favorite Alex Vindman.

Why it matters: Sanders gives Nixon a prominent national progressive ally as she pivots to a difficult general-election race against Republican Sen.

Ashley Moody.

Sanders also cast Nixon as a model for the Democratic Party's future.

What he's saying: "Angie is proof that organized people can take on the organized money of the wealthy and powerful — and win," Sanders said in a statement released by Nixon's campaign.

Sanders praised Nixon's support for Medicare for All, canceling medical debt, expanded child care and paid family leave.

The intrigue: Nixon won the primary without Sanders' endorsement despite working on his 2016 presidential campaign and running on many of the economic policies he made central to his campaigns.

The big picture: The endorsement strengthens Nixon's connection to the national left, but it also gives Republicans another opening to make socialism the centerpiece of the fall campaign.

Reality check: Nixon still faces a steep climb against Moody in Florida, a state that has shifted sharply to the right and where Republicans have dominated recent statewide elections.

Editor's note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated.