President Donald Trump renewed his endorsements of Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis and state Sen. Randy Fine, urging voters in two key special elections to back the MAGA-aligned candidates as Republicans look to shore up their slim House majority.
With Tuesday’s elections set to fill the congressional vacancies left by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and former Rep. Matt Gaetz, Trump’s endorsements are aimed at energizing his base and maintaining GOP control in two reliably red districts.
“Jimmy has my Complete and Total Endorsement — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Florida, Election Day is this Tuesday, April 1st. GET OUT AND VOTE FOR JIMMY PATRONIS!”
Patronis, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and Fire Marshal, is seeking to replace Gaetz in Florida’s 1st Congressional District, a conservative stronghold in the Panhandle. Trump praised Patronis as a fourth-generation Floridian and “wonderful friend to me and to MAGA,” highlighting his small business background and legislative track record.
“As your next Congressman, Jimmy will fight hard alongside me to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes, Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Brave Military/Vets, Restore American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump said.
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In Florida’s 6th Congressional District, Trump-backed state Sen. Randy Fine is running to replace Waltz, who joined the White House national security team in January. Trump lauded Fine’s business experience and legislative leadership, calling him “a tremendous Voice for MAGA.”
“Randy will be an incredible fighter who will work tirelessly with me to Strengthen our Economy, Lower Taxes, Secure the Border… and Advance PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH,” Trump posted.
Trump won the district by more than 30 points in 2024. According to Federal Election Commission records, Fine’s opponent, Josh Weil, has raised over $9 million, outpacing Fine’s $560,000. Weil has the backing of Sen. Bernie Sanders and campaigned this weekend with DNC Chair Ken Martin.
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While both districts are historically Republican, the flood of outside money and attention has injected new intensity into the races. Trump’s personal involvement and endorsements aim to shore up support and drive turnout.
Voters in Florida’s 1st and 6th districts will head to the polls Tuesday, April 1, for what could be a pivotal test of Trump’s enduring influence—and the GOP’s ability to defend even its safest seats against energized Democratic challengers and outside cash.
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