Poli Alert Politics & Civics
Related Articles
Republican candidates Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine have emerged victorious in two key Florida special elections, NBC News projects, securing their party’s control over two congressional seats left vacant earlier this year.
The wins expand the GOP’s narrow House majority, providing additional support for Donald Trump’s legislative priorities as Republicans work to pass sweeping economic and immigration policies.
Patronis, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, won the 1st District race to replace former Rep. Matt Gaetz, while Republican state Sen. Randy Fine secured victory in the 6th District, filling the seat vacated by Michael Waltz, now serving as Trump’s national security adviser.
Fine’s race against Democrat Josh Weil had raised concerns among Republicans due to Weil’s significant fundraising advantage. However, Fine ultimately prevailed with 54% of the vote to Weil’s 46%, despite underperforming Waltz’s 2022 margin.
Trump’s Influence Key in Tight Race
Fine’s campaign gained critical last-minute momentum after Donald Trump personally intervened to rally support, hosting two tele-town halls and issuing multiple endorsements on Truth Social. Fine, a staunch Trump ally, credited the former president for his victory, writing on X (formerly Twitter):
“Because of you, Mr. President. I won’t let you down.”
Democratic Gains and GOP Panic
Despite Fine’s win, Democrats pointed to signs of growing momentum, with Weil performing better than Vice President Kamala Harris in previous elections. Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin claimed the result showed a pattern of Democratic overperformance, stating:
“In 2025, Democrats have overperformed the top of the ticket in nearly every election as voters turn out in blue, purple, and red districts to voice their anger at Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Tonight was no different.”
Weil’s campaign had significantly outspent Fine’s, raising over $10 million compared to Fine’s $2 million, leading to concern among GOP strategists that the race could be unexpectedly close.
“Panic and money can solve a lot of problems,” a Republican consultant involved in Fine’s campaign admitted, referring to the late GOP spending surge that helped counter Weil’s financial advantage.
Republican House Majority Expands
With these victories, the Republican House majority expands to 220-213, providing Speaker Mike Johnson more flexibility as the party seeks to pass Trump’s economic and immigration agenda.
Patronis and Fine’s arrival in Congress comes as Republicans push for an ambitious budget proposal aligned with Trump’s policies, including extending the 2017 tax cuts and bolstering border security. Fine, who positioned himself as a “Trump warrior”, told supporters last week:
“This race could determine whether you have the votes in Congress you need to get the job done.”
Patronis, meanwhile, has emphasized a focus on veterans and the economy, given that the 1st District has one of the highest veteran populations in the country. However, when asked about potential cuts to Medicaid and Social Security, Patronis avoided committing to specific policies, stating:
“I don’t think it’s good to create a path where you’re taking away something from a benefit or entitlement that somebody is counting on.”
As Fine and Patronis prepare to take their seats, the GOP is hoping these victories will help stabilize their majority ahead of a contentious 2026 election cycle, with both parties looking to capitalize on shifting voter dynamics in battleground states like Florida.
