TALLAHASSEE, FL (352today.com) – Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine have secured victories in their Republican primaries for special elections to fill the U.S. House seats previously held by former Florida Reps. Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz. Both races are in conservative districts, positioning the GOP to maintain control in the upcoming general election on April 1.
Patronis, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, won the Republican primary for the 1st Congressional District, which covers northwest Florida and is considered one of the most reliably Republican seats in the country. He defeated former state Rep. Joel Rudman, a physician who gained political prominence for opposing COVID-19 mask mandates. Patronis will face Democrat Gay Valimont, who ran unopposed in her party’s primary.
In the 6th Congressional District, which spans parts of northeast and central Florida—including portions of Marion County—State Rep. Randy Fine won the GOP nomination to replace Waltz, who resigned to focus on a potential U.S. Senate bid. Fine, known for his strong support of former President Donald Trump’s policies, defeated a crowded Republican field. He will face Democrat Richard Thripp in the general election.
With Republicans holding a slim majority in the U.S. House, retaining these seats is crucial as the party seeks to advance its legislative agenda under Trump’s influence. Both districts strongly favored the GOP in past elections, making Republican victories likely but not guaranteed.
The April 1 general election will determine if Democrats can gain ground or if the GOP will bolster its majority in Congress.