Democratic Socialist Rally in Fort Lauderdale Relocated After Backlash

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Democratic Socialist Rally in Fort Lauderdale Relocated After Backlash

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A political rally planned for Friday, August 14, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, featuring democratic socialist candidates and U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib, was forced to change venues twice due to backlash and accusations of antisemitism. The event, named “Chomp The Oligarchy,” was organized by Gen-Z for Change and the Florida Youth Justice Coalition to support U.S. House candidates Oliver Larkin and Elijah Manley, and U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon, who are all running in the Democratic primary on August 18, 2026.

The initial venue, The Venue in Fort Lauderdale, canceled the event after receiving complaints, which included allegations that the rally was designed to target and intimidate Jewish Floridians and support the ousting of Democratic Jewish incumbents. The venue, which is Jewish-owned and operated, cited increased security concerns and the welfare of attendees and staff as reasons for the cancellation, stating that accepting a booking should not be interpreted as an endorsement of political views. Gen-Z for Change, however, claimed the venue gave them an ultimatum to uninvite Congresswoman Tlaib, a claim the venue attributed to security concerns regarding a high-profile person visiting on short notice without proper security.

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which endorses candidates like Oliver Larkin, Elijah Manley, and Angie Nixon, has a strong stance on Israel, endorsing the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement in 2017. The organization’s 2026 program calls for ending U.S. military and economic assistance to Israel and recognizing the Palestinian “right to resist military occupation.” Following the October 7, 2023, attacks, the DSA issued a statement expressing solidarity with Palestinians and stating that the attacks were a “direct result of Israel’s apartheid regime” and “not unprovoked.” Some statements in support of Israel, such as “Israel has a right to defend itself,” or equating anti-Zionism with antisemitism, can be considered an expellable offense within the DSA.

Oliver Larkin, a 34-year-old Democratic Socialist and union organizer, is running for Congress in Florida’s 25th Congressional District. Elijah Manley, a 26-year-old educator and organizer, is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in Florida’s 20th Congressional District. Florida State Representative Angie Nixon, a Democrat from Jacksonville, is a candidate in the 2026 U.S. Senate special election in Florida.

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