The effort to enhance the Republican majority in Congress is ongoing in Florida, where two significant special elections are poised to influence the power dynamics in the U.S. House. In a notable affirmation of President Trump’s sway within the Republican Party, candidates Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine emerged victorious in their respective GOP primaries for Florida’s special congressional elections.
These victories occurred in traditionally conservative districts, setting the stage for anticipated Republican retention in the general elections scheduled for April 1. Such results would bolster the GOP’s narrow majority in the U.S. House and advance Trump’s legislative agenda.
On Tuesday, Jimmy Patronis triumphed in the race for the 1st District, aiming to succeed former Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL). He successfully navigated competition from former state Representative Joel Rudman, a physician known for his opposition to COVID-19 mask mandates.
Gaetz, who was re-elected for a fifth term last November with ease, had initially accepted an appointment as attorney general under President Trump. However, he later withdrew his nomination amid growing concerns related to a House ethics investigation.
Prior to his political endeavors, Patronis was a partner in his family’s restaurant, Captain Anderson’s. He was appointed to the Florida Public Service Commission in 2015, serving until 2017. In June 2017, then-Governor Rick Scott appointed him as the state’s Chief Financial Officer following Jeff Atwater’s resignation. Patronis was subsequently elected to a full term in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.
In November, Patronis announced his resignation as CFO, effective March 31, 2025, to pursue the 1st Congressional District seat after Matt Gaetz’s resignation. President-elect Trump endorsed Patronis for this congressional position, exclaiming “RUN, JIMMY, RUN!” on Truth Social.
Patronis is scheduled to compete against Democrat Gay Valimont, who secured her nomination without opposition, in the forthcoming general election for the northwest Florida seat, as reported by The Associated Press.
In the contest for the 6th Congressional District seat, formerly occupied by Mike Waltz (R-FL), Randy Fine successfully navigated challenges from two other Republican candidates. Waltz vacated his position to assume the role of National Security Advisor under President Trump. The district includes Daytona Beach and stretches southward to areas near Jacksonville.
On Tuesday evening, Fine remarked, “This victory isn’t mine. It is Donald Trump’s. It is his first electoral win since Nov. 5. And Republicans overwhelmingly showed they remain committed to his agenda. And I can promise him — and every voter — no one will be more committed to his success than me. I’m ready to go.”
Fine has served in the Florida House of Representatives, representing the 53rd and 33rd districts from 2016 until 2024. He is recognized for his forthright approach, strong support for Israel, and opposition to LGBTQ rights. His candidacy for Florida’s 6th Congressional District gained attention in November, following Waltz’s appointment as National Security Advisor in the Trump administration. In October 2023, Fine shifted his endorsement in the 2024 Republican presidential primaries from Ron DeSantis to Trump, citing the 2023 conflict between Israel and Hamas as a pivotal factor.
Patronis and Fine will proceed to the special election scheduled for April 1, where they are expected to perform well in their predominantly Republican districts.
