Trump-backed Republicans win special Florida House primary
In the special primary elections in Florida, Republican candidates Randy Fine and Jimmy Patronis emerged victorious, bringing the House GOP closer to a 220-seat majority. Both candidates were endorsed by former President Donald Trump and are vying for seats left vacant by former Representatives Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz.
Randy Fine won decisively, garnering over 80% of the votes shortly after polls closed. In his victory speech, he expressed a deep connection to Trump and a commitment to serve his constituents. Meanwhile, Jimmy Patronis also secured a significant win in a crowded field, achieving around 66% of the vote.
These results are expected to bolster the Republicans’ chances in the upcoming general elections, as both districts are considered strongholds for the party. If triumphant in the April elections, Patronis would replace Gaetz, who faces scrutiny over ethics concerns. The GOP currently holds a slim majority in the House, emphasizing the importance of these upcoming elections as they seek to consolidate their power in Congress. Additional special elections may arise as political shifts continue.
Fine and Patronis win special primary in Florida, inching House GOP toward 220-seat majority
House Republicans are one step closer to a full majority with the Florida primary wins of Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine to fill the seats of former Reps. Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz.
Both men were backed by President Donald Trump.
The Associated Press called the primary for Fine, who serves as a state senator in Florida’s legislature, shortly after polls closed in the district at 7 p.m. Eastern time, with Fine receiving over 80% of the vote with over half of the ballots counted.
“G-d saved [Donald Trump’s] life so he could save the world. And tonight, both of them, powered by my amazing family and all of you who voted for me, put me one step closer to being able to help him do that. I swear I won’t let any of you down,” Fine said in a statement.
Later in the evening, the Associated Press called the race for Patronis, who won out of a crowded 10-person primary with President Donald Trump‘s endorsement. With about 90% of the vote counted, Patronis had 66% of the vote.
Gaetz and Waltz resigned after Trump tapped them for administrative positions, though Gaetz withdrew his nomination for attorney general after receiving major backlash from both parties. Waltz is now the national security adviser, a position that took effect immediately upon Trump’s inauguration as it is not subject to Senate confirmation.
With Patronis and Fine’s primary wins, Republicans are all but guaranteed to win in the April special general elections. Both the 1st Congressional District, formerly represented by Gaetz, and the 6th District, previously held by Waltz, are considered to be the safest Republican strongholds in the Sunshine State.
Patronis will face off against former congressional candidate Gay Valimont, a gun control activist who lost to Gaetz in the 2024 election. In the 6th District, Democratic candidate Josh Weil, a public school educator, defeated George Selmont for the Democratic nomination.
April cannot come soon enough for House Republicans, as they are now operating under a one-vote majority. When all members are seated, the GOP will hold a 220-215 majority, meaning Republicans can only afford to lose two votes to pass legislation along party lines.
If Patronis wins the April election, he will replace Gaetz — a swearing-in many Republican opponents of the former congressman will welcome due to Gaetz’s alleged ethics violations and successful effort to oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). Gaetz has denied all wrongdoing and now hosts a show on One America News.
Other special elections are on the horizon for Republicans, as Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) awaits confirmation to become Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations. Once Stefanik vacates her seat, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) will need to call a special election within 10 days, and an election is required to happen within 70 to 80 days after that.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...