Florida’s Republicans Randy Fine and Jimmy Patronis emerged victorious in special elections on Tuesday, securing congressional positions in two of the state’s most reliably Republican districts. 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 is set to occupy the 1st District position in northwest Florida, which was left vacant by the previous representative. 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 Congressional District, Republican candidate Fine emerged victorious against Democrat Josh Weil. This seat was formerly held by Representative Mike Waltz, who was appointed by Trump as the 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 off-year election returns give a view into the House political landscape in the era of Trump, and the impression that can be gathered is that despite the continued dominant hold by the GOP in these seats, narrowing margins do speak to some political landscape shift which may be at play going forward.
