Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump celebrated Tuesday’s two Florida special election wins by GOP congressional candidates on social media.
Trump posted about the victories by Randy Fine and Jimmy Patronis on Truth Social.
“BOTH FLORIDA HOUSE SEATS HAVE BEEN WON, BIG, BY THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE. THE TRUMP ENDORSEMENT, AS ALWAYS, PROVED FAR GREATER THAN THE DEMOCRATS FORCES OF EVIL. CONGRATULATIONS TO AMERICA!!!” he posted in all caps.
Fine, a Republican state representative, secured a decisive victory in Tuesday’s special election for Florida’s 6th Congressional District.
With 83 percent of the vote counted, Fine led Democrat Josh Weil with 54.1 percent. In the district that Trump carried by a large margin in 20240, Trump threw his support behind Fine ahead of the GOP primary.
Despite concerns within the Republican Party—fueled by Weil’s stronger-than-expected fundraising and some favorable polling—Fine ultimately prevailed in the reliably conservative district. He will take over the seat previously held by Mike Waltz, who stepped down after being appointed as Trump’s national security adviser.
Patronis claimed victory in Tuesday’s special election for Florida’s 1st Congressional District, boosted by an endorsement from Trump. Despite a well-funded effort by national Democrats to flip the solidly Republican seat in northern Florida, Patronis held off Democrat Gay Valimont.
Patronis, who serves as Florida’s chief financial officer, overcame a significant financial disadvantage—Valimont significantly outpaced him in fundraising and campaign spending. The seat was left open after former Rep. Matt Gaetz, originally tapped by Trump to be attorney general, withdrew from consideration.
Celebrations broke out at a waterfront restaurant in Pensacola as early returns showed Patronis ahead. Surrounded by about 100 supporters, Patronis greeted well-wishers with hugs and handshakes, joined by his wife, Katie, and their two sons.
Trump endorsed Patronis on multiple occasions, including in a post to X on Monday.
“Florida, Election Day is this Tuesday, April 1st. GET OUT AND VOTE FOR JIMMY PATRONIS. Jimmy has my Complete and Total Endorsement — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN,” the president posted.
Trump previously encouraged Patronis to run, writing on Truth Social, “A fourth generation Floridian from the beautiful Panhandle, and owner of an iconic seafood restaurant, Jimmy has been a wonderful friend to me, and to MAGA. As your next Congressman, Jimmy would work tirelessly alongside of me to Grow our Economy, Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Incredible Military/Vets, Restore American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”