Retired Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman — a key witness in President Donald Trump’s first impeachment trial — lost the Democratic primary in Florida’s U.S. Senate race Tuesday, despite his campaign carrying $7.31 million cash on hand as of June 30.
Under federal law, Vindman could hold on to that money for a future federal election, transfer it to the national or state Democratic Party, or donate some of it to other federal candidates, including his opponent Angie Nixon, who is now the Democratic Senate candidate.
According to filings, Vindman raised more than $16 million ahead of Tuesday’s election. Spokespeople for his campaign did not immediately respond to questions about what he plans to do with the hefty campaign war chest.
Funds raised to be used in the primary can be used to pay campaign debts, but given the size of his holdings, it is likely Vindman will be left with significant funds once all outstanding balances are settled. With Democrats seeking to flip the Senate seat in Florida — something they have not been able to do since 2012 — some of that money could help Nixon, a democratic socialist, move the needle. Nixon’s primary fundraising since January brought in less than $1 million.
If any of the donations Vindman received were meant to be used in the general election, those funds would have to be returned to donors within 60 days of the primary.
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The post What happens next to Alex Vindman’s multimillion-dollar war chest? appeared first on Washington Post.
