Republicans Randy Fine, Jimmy Patronis Win Florida Special Elections

Randy Fine won Florida's 6th Congressional District special election, defeating Josh Weil, and Jimmy Patronis won the 1st Congressional District special election, defeating Gay Valimont.

File photo of Randy Fine and Jimmy Patronis

Source : Twitter

Republican state Sen. Randy Fine won a special election Tuesday to represent Florida's 6th Congressional District, defeating Democratic challenger Josh Weil.

The 50-year-old Fine will be taking over the seat left vacant by Mike Waltz, whom Trump appointed as his national security advisor. Waltz previously served as the representative for Florida's red-leaning sixth congressional district, which includes the Ocala National Forest and communities like Daytona Beach. 

In a post on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump wrote, "Congratulations Randy, a great WIN against a massive CASH AVALANCHE.
DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT."

On his win, Randy Fine, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), wrote, quoting Trump, "Because of you, Mr. President. I won’t let you down."

Because of you, Mr. President.

I won’t let you down. pic.twitter.com/AH8XLjYJde

— Senator Randy Fine (@VoteRandyFine) April 1, 2025

The seat was critical for Fine to win since Republicans have a razor thin 218-213 seat majority in the House. Fine was first elected to the Florida House in 2016 and ran each year as a representative until 2024 when he successfully won his election to the Florida Senate. He is known for his support of Israel and his efforts to restrict LGBTQ+ rights.

Republican Jimmy Patronis Wins Special Election

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has won the special election to replace former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) in the 1st Congressional District, defeating Democrat Gay Valimont.

Patronis won the endorsement of Trump in November, which appeared to head off a more robust Republican primary, even though Patronis doesn’t live in the district.

Trump Congratulated Both Candidates

Trump congratulated both candidate and said his endorsement helped them secure a victory. He wrote, "BOTH FLORIDA HOUSE SEATS HAVE BEEN WON, BIG, BY THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE. THE TRUMP ENDORSEMENT, AS ALWAYS, PROVED FAR GREATER THAN THE DEMOCRATS FORCES OF EVIL. CONGRATULATIONS TO AMERICA!!!"