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JUST IN: Two Trump-Endorsed House Candidates Win Primaries For Vacated Seats

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The fight to expand the Republican majority in Congress continues in Florida, where two key special elections will shape the balance of power in the U.S. House. In a boost for President Trump’s influence within the Republican Party, endorsed candidates Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine clinched victories in their respective GOP primaries for Florida’s special congressional elections.

The wins come in reliably conservative districts, paving the way for expected Republican retention after the general elections on April 1. Such outcomes would strengthen the GOP’s slim majority in the U.S. House and further Trump’s legislative priorities.

On Tuesday, Jimmy Patronis emerged victorious in the 1st District race to succeed former Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL). He overcame opposition from ex-state Rep. Joel Rudman, a physician who rose to political prominence for his stance against COVID-19 mask mandates.

Gaetz, who was re-elected for a fifth term last November without difficulty, initially accepted an appointment as attorney general under President Trump. However, Gaetz later withdrew his nomination due to escalating concerns surrounding a House ethics investigation.

Jimmy Patronis and Donald Trump

Before his political career, Patronis was a partner in his family’s restaurant, Captain Anderson’s. In 2015, he was appointed to the Florida Public Service Commission, where he served until 2017. In June 2017, then-Governor Rick Scott appointed Patronis as the state’s CFO following Jeff Atwater’s resignation. He was later elected to a full term in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.

In November, Patronis announced his resignation as CFO, effective March 31, 2025, to run for Florida’s 1st Congressional District seat, following Matt Gaetz’s resignation. President-elect Trump endorsed Patronis for the congressional seat, writing “RUN, JIMMY, RUN!” on Truth Social.

Patronis is set to face Democrat Gay Valimont, who secured her nomination unopposed, in the upcoming general election for the northwest Florida seat, according to The Associated Press.

Meanwhile, in the race for the 6th Congressional District seat, previously held by Mike Waltz (R-FL), Randy Fine overcame opposition from two fellow Republicans. Waltz resigned from his position to take on the role of National Security Advisor for President Trump.

The district encompasses Daytona Beach and extends south to include areas near Jacksonville.

Donald Trump and Randy Fine

Fine said Tuesday night, “This victory isn’t mine. It is Donald Trump’s. It is his first electoral win since Nov. 5. And Republicans overwhelmingly showed they remain committed to his agenda. And I can promise him — and every voter — no one will be more committed to his success than me. I’m ready to go.”

Fine served in the Florida House of Representatives, representing the 53rd and 33rd districts from 2016 until 2024. Known for his candid style, staunch support for Israel, and stance against LGBTQ rights, Fine made headlines in November when he declared his run for Florida’s 6th Congressional District.

The announcement followed the appointment of U.S. Representative Michael Waltz as National Security Advisor in the Trump administration. Previously, in October 2023, Fine shifted his support in the 2024 Republican presidential primaries from Ron DeSantis to Trump, attributing his decision to the 2023 conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Patronis and Fine will advance to the April 1 special election, where they are favored in their solidly Republican districts.