Republicans Randy Fine and Jimmy Patronis captured special elections in Florida on Tuesday to fill vacant congressional seats in two of the state’s most rock-solid Republican bastions. The wins, strongly endorsed by former President Donald Trump, also deepen the GOP majority in the House of Representatives to 220-213.
State Treasurer Patronis was a contested target for Democrat Gay Valimont, who spent and raised more money than Patronis. Patronis will fill the 1st District seat in northwest Florida vacated by Rep. Matt Gaetz. Gaetz departed from the seat after Trump nominated him to become attorney general, although he later took himself out of consideration for the job following accusations of sexual misconduct, to which he did not admit.
In Florida’s 6th District in north Florida, Fine defeated Democrat Josh Weil. The seat had been held by Rep. Mike Waltz, who was named by Trump to be national security adviser.
While the wins were expected in these heavily Republican districts, the margin of victory was much narrower than in the 2024 elections, a trend that has raised some eyebrows. Special elections typically have lower turnout, which can, in many cases, translate into unexpected results. But Democrats were intensely motivated in these elections, narrowing the gap considerably. Their financial drive and growing pushback against Trump’s administration, most specifically his remaking of federal agencies, provided the elections with their closer-than-expected finishes.
Trump, taking credit for the victories, praised his endorsements on social media. He congratulated both candidates, saying, “THE TRUMP ENDORSEMENT, AS ALWAYS, PROVED FAR GREATER THAN THE DEMOCRATS’ FORCES OF EVIL. CONGRATULATIONS TO AMERICA!”
Patronis, beaming from ear to ear following his victory at a Pensacola restaurant, celebrated with supporters, friends, and family. His phone rang continuously with congratulations as the early results came in, and he mingled in the room, shaking hands and hugging supporters.
These special election results provide a glimpse into the political environment in the House during Trump, and the takeaway is that while the GOP continues to have a strong grasp on these seats, the narrowing margins indicate a change in the political environment that could affect future elections.
