Alex Vindman
Summary
Alexander Vindman is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and former National Security Council official who became nationally prominent as a key witness in President Trump's first impeachment trial. He announced his candidacy for Florida's U.S. Senate seat on January 27, 2026, making him the most prominent Democrat to enter the race. Vindman is a combat veteran who served 21 years in the U.S. Army, including service in Iraq where he was wounded and awarded a Purple Heart. After leaving government, he authored books about his time in the Trump administration and worked as a senior adviser for VoteVets, a Democrat-aligned group that helps elect veterans. He currently resides in Broward County, Florida.
Background
Born in Kyiv, Soviet Union (now Ukraine), Vindman and his family left the Soviet Union as refugees when he was three years old seeking freedom and opportunity in America. He served as Director of European Affairs for the National Security Council under President Trump. After testifying against Trump during impeachment hearings in 2019, he was forced out of the NSC by Trump in February 2020 and later retired from the Army. He moved to Broward County, Florida in 2023 and has become a vocal Trump critic. His twin brother, Eugene Vindman, was elected to Congress in Virginia in November 2024, raising nearly $18 million in that race.
Sources
- Alex Vindman official campaign website
- NBC News - Alex Vindman launches Florida Senate run
- Axios - Alexander Vindman announces Florida Senate campaign as a Democrat
- WUSF - Alex Vindman enters Florida Senate race
- Ballotpedia - Alex Vindman
- Washington Examiner - Alex Vindman raises $8.2 million in Senate bid
- Florida Politics - Alex Vindman raises more than $8M in first quarter
- PBS NewsHour - Alex Vindman enters Florida Senate race