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Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., an outspoken critic of Israel, was set to headline a rally in South Florida boosting three progressive Democratic candidates before the Jewish-owned venue hosting the event backed out a day before.
The “Chomp the Oligarchy” rally to support two U.S. House candidates and one Senate candidate was scheduled for Friday night at The Venue in Fort Lauderdale, just four days before Florida’s primary election.
State Rep. Michael Gottlieb, a Democrat, posted Thursday morning calling the event “anti-Jew,” while also accusing House candidates Elijah Manley and Oliver Larkin, along with state Rep. Angie Nixon — who is seeking the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate — of being part of an “Anti-Israel and Anti-Zionism coalition.”
Gottlieb then said Tlaib “has by far the deepest record of antisemitic allegations and is being brought here to help these candidates raise funds for their campaigns.”
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Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., speaks during the DWC x the Mamas’ Caucus hearing “Moms Pay the Price: The Republican Affordability Crisis” at the Rayburn House Office Building on April 28, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Paul Morigi/Getty Images for MomsRising)
Following Gottlieb’s post, The Venue posted a statement Thursday night indicating that the event was canceled, citing “increased security concerns.”
The statement did not mention Tlaib by name but said management pulled out after becoming aware of the “full scope” of the event and reviewing promotional materials.
“Due to the increased security concerns as well as the welfare of attendees and staff, the decision was then made that the event would not proceed at our property,” the statement said. “The Venue Fort Lauderdale is Jewish-owned and operated and our values and commitment to the Jewish community are deeply important to us.”
Digital reached out to The Venue for additional comment. Tlaib’s representatives did not immediately return a request for comment.
Oliver Larkin, a self-identified DSA member, is challenging incumbent Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla. in Florida’s Tuesday Democratic primary election. (Joe Raedle / Al Drago)
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Prior to the event being canceled, The Venue reached out to Gottlieb asking him to take down his post, something he refused to do, The New York Times reported.
Cameron Driggers, a lead organizer for the rally, told the Times that the Venue reached out to the rally organizers saying it would only host the event if Tlaib was uninvited, but the organizers refused.
Manley, who has been endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, is facing off against Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., while Larkin, a self-identified DSA member, is challenging incumbent Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla.
Nixon is running against Alexander Vindman, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel known for testifying during President Donald Trump’s first impeachment inquiry.
Elijah Manley, who has been endorsed by Democratic Socialists of America, is facing off against Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., a veteran House Democrat. (Tom Williams, CQ-Roll Call / Carline Jean, South Florida Sun Sentinel)
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The “Chomp the Oligarchy” event’s organizers said on Instagram that they “will not be silenced by racist right-wing agitators and conservative Democrats,” adding that they will “keep fighting to deliver for working-class Floridians.”
The rally ended up taking place at an alternate outdoor location reportedly with about 300 supporters in attendance.
In his speech, Larkin addressed the tumult surrounding the event.
“What we’ve seen in the last 36 hours is a mobilization campaign to try to intimidate and harass us with a campaign of Islamophobia. A campaign that seeks to excuse AIPAC’s corrupting influence over our elections,” Larkin said to a chorus of boos from the crowd.
Retired Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman speaks during a campaign event at the Broward County Democratic Clubs and Caucuses on February 9, 2026 in Sunrise, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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Tlaib also appeared at the rally as planned, introducing Nixon before she delivered her remarks.
Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., told Digital on Wednesday “it’s no coincidence” Tlaib would be appearing at an event supporting candidates seeking to defeat Jewish Democrats.
Tlaib, the first Palestinian American woman in Congress, has faced bipartisan criticism for her comments on Israel and Jewish people. The Michigan congresswoman has denied accusations of antisemitism.
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Congress censured Tlaib in 2023 for her embrace of the slogan “from the river to the sea,” which she says is an “aspirational call for freedom, human rights, and peaceful coexistence” from Palestinians. Many Jews view the slogan as a veiled call for genocide against Israelis.
