TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – State Rep Angie Nixon, who is running in the Democratic primary for US Senate, had a preliminary court hearing in Leon County Wednesday, related to her May arrest for staging a sit-in outside Governor Ron DeSantis’ office.
A trial date for Nixon was set for the week of Sept. 21. Nixon was arrested on May 15, after sitting in the governor’s capitol office for several hours, protesting new Congressional district maps passed by Florida lawmakers.
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The new maps could help Republicans pick up seats in Florida and ultimately retain control of the U.S. House in the midterm elections.
Nixon spoke to reporters following Wednesday’s hearing.
“This is the weaponization of a justice system to punish political pushback. This is a coordinated, desperate attempt by Ron DeSantis to intimidate and silence anyone who dares to challenge their absolute grip on power,” Nixon, D-Jacksonville, said.
Nixon was also reprimanded by the House Rules and Ethics Committee in May for her loud protest on the House floor during the legislative session that disrupted a vote on the new congressional district maps.
The incident wasn’t the first time Nixon caused a commotion on the House floor over redistricting. She led a protest in 2022 when the old districts were approved.
“The state of Florida is spending your hard-earned tax dollars, using government lawyers and tying up the court system, to prosecute me for peacefully petitioning our government,” Nixon said.