Trump-Backed Republicans Win Florida Primaries to Replace Gaetz, Waltz

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Two Trump-endorsed Republicans, Randy Fine and Jimmy Patronis, secured decisive victories in Florida‘s special House primaries Tuesday, positioning themselves to fill two vacant congressional seats in deeply conservative districts. The wins bolster the GOP‘s slim majority in the U.S. House as the party prepares for the April 1 general elections.

Fine, a state senator, captured more than 80% of the GOP primary vote in Florida’s 6th District, while Patronis, the state’s chief financial officer, garnered over two-thirds support in the 1st District. Both candidates are expected to easily defeat their Democratic opponents in the general election, given the districts’ strong Republican leanings.

The 1st District race to replace former Rep. Matt Gaetz saw Patronis defeat Joel Rudman, a former state representative known for opposing COVID-19 mask mandates. Patronis will face Democrat Gay Valimont in the general election. Meanwhile, Fine, who represents the 6th District, will compete against Democrat Josh Weil, a public school teacher from Orlando.

Fine, a vocal supporter of Israel and advocate for restricting LGBTQ+ rights, has been a prominent figure in Florida politics. He previously aligned with Gov. Ron DeSantis but later criticized the governor for not doing enough to combat antisemitism. “This victory isn’t mine. It is Donald Trump‘s,” Fine said during a victory speech Tuesday night. “Republicans overwhelmingly showed they remain committed to his agenda.”

Patronis, a longtime Florida politician, has deep roots in the 1st District, where his family owns a well-known seafood restaurant. He emphasized his local ties and conservative credentials during the campaign, positioning himself as a reliable ally of Trump’s agenda.

The vacancies in both districts arose after Gaetz resigned last year amid ethics investigations and Waltz stepped down this month to serve as Trump’s national security adviser. The GOP currently holds a narrow 218-215 majority in the House, making the April 1 elections critical for maintaining party control.

University of Central Florida political scientist Aubrey Jewett noted that while Democrats face an uphill battle in both districts, low voter turnout could potentially narrow the margins. “Democrats might be able to take Waltz’s seat, but it would take a small miracle,” Jewett said. “For the Gaetz seat, that would be more than a small miracle.”