Trump-backed Republicans swept two special House primaries Tuesday in Florida, positioning themselves to bolster the party’s slender House majority and fill two deep-red, open seats.
Shortly after votes in Florida’s 6th District closed at 7 p.m. Eastern, the Associated Press predicted that state senator Randy Fine would win more than 80% of the GOP primary vote.
When The Associated Press announced the results of the GOP primary in Florida’s 1st District shortly after 8 p.m. Eastern, State Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis had more than two-thirds of the vote, handily defeating a huge field of contenders.
As they looked to replace former Representatives, Fine and Patronis not only received the support of President Donald Trump but also that of House Republican leaders. Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz.
Gaetz left the House last year after Trump appointed him attorney general, while Waltz left the House earlier this month to become Trump’s national security adviser. However, Gaetz withdrew from the race due to claims of drug usage and sexual misbehavior.
Representative Gaetz was later found to have violated House Rules and other standards of conduct that forbid prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, prohibited gifts, special favors or privileges, and obstruction of Congress, according to a report later released by the House Ethics Committee. Gaetz refuted the accusations.
After both districts voted Republican by more than 30 points in 2024, Fine and Gaetz will both be strong favorites against the Democratic nominees in the special general elections.
However, House Republicans will continue to mark the April 1 special elections on their calendars because they believe that having more members will allow them some leeway in a legislature that is sharply divided.
Following the resignations of Waltz and former Representative Matt Gaetz, the GOP now holds a 218-215 majority in the House, meaning that a bill could be defeated by just two defections if every member votes.