Trump Pressures Republicans Ahead of Critical Florida Special Election

TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Top Republicans, alarmed by their candidate’s lagging performance in an upcoming special election, have reached out to President Donald Trump’s team for intervention. With the election scheduled for Tuesday, April 1, President Trump’s advisers and House GOP leaders urged state Senator Randy Fine to accelerate his campaign efforts in Florida’s 6th Congressional District.

A senior adviser to Trump contacted Fine to stress the need for visible campaigning. House GOP campaign chair Rep. Richard Hudson and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer directly told Fine to “get his sh*t together,” according to sources familiar with the discussions.

As election day approaches, Republicans express concern over Fine’s fundraising, which has seen the Democratic challenger, Josh Weil, significantly outraise him. Trump hosted tele-rallies, including one on Thursday, to rally support for Fine and another GOP candidate, Jimmy Patronis, before the crucial election.

“We’re just a few days away from an all-important special election in your state… I’m asking you to get out and vote for a true American patriot, Randy Fine,” Trump said during a tele-rally.

Fine’s race became notable after the seat’s previous representative, Mike Waltz, was appointed by Trump to become his national security adviser. Though Republicans maintain that Fine is favored to win, the dynamics suggest a closer campaign than anticipated, as Weil has raised nearly 10 times more funds than Fine.

Hudson acknowledged Fine could have launched his campaign earlier but expressed confidence due to grassroots efforts in place to turn out the vote. “We’ve got lots of folks on the ground helping turn out the vote, so I’m confident,” Hudson told CNN.

Weil, a public school teacher, has effectively linked Fine to unpopular policies, emphasizing government cuts related to education and social services. His fundraising has focused on preserving vital services like Social Security and Medicare.

“I’m grateful for the hundreds of thousands of Floridians who believe in a better future,” Weil stated. With significant donor backing, he aims to make a historic shift in a heavily Republican district.

Fine’s history in office has been polarizing, notably for advocating the “Don’t Say Gay” bill and confronting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis regarding issues of antisemitism. DeSantis recently expressed skepticism about Fine’s electoral performance, hinting it may not reflect Trump’s strength in Florida.

“This is not a reflection of President Trump; it’s a reflection of the specific candidate running in that race,” DeSantis remarked. GOP leaders share concerns, noting that a tight race could suggest a growing voter dissatisfaction with the Republican agenda in Washington.

As the candidates prepare for the election, party leaders stress that even a narrow win for Fine would mark a significant boost for Republicans. However, Democrats hope for a close finish to showcase their mobilization efforts, suggesting it could hint at deepening dissatisfaction with national Republican policies.

In addition to the 6th District primary, Republicans are working to protect another crucial seat in the 1st District against Democrat Gay Valimont, formerly held by Rep. Matt Gaetz.

Weil and Valimont have carried out joint campaigns capitalizing on recent dissatisfaction towards Republican leadership. The effectiveness of their campaign strategy has raised eyebrows, transforming a once-overlooked race into a focal point of national significance.

“If we lose but come close, moderate Republicans might take notice,” said Buddy Oswald, a Weil supporter, indicating that even near victory could have ramifications for Republican strategies moving forward.

As voting concludes on Tuesday, Fine remains optimistic despite serious challenges, including his competitor’s enhanced financial backing and aggressive campaigning.