Trump endorsed candidate wins GOP primary in Florida race to replace Mike Waltz in Congress

State Senator Randy Fine emerged victorious in the Republican primary for Florida’s 6th Congressional District, a special election to replace former GOP Rep. Michael Waltz, who stepped down to serve as national security adviser in Trump’s second administration. Fine, who was endorsed by President Trump, defeated other Republican candidates and is now the clear favorite in the April 1 general election.

The 6th Congressional District, which covers a Republican-leaning area from Daytona Beach to the southern suburbs of Jacksonville along Florida’s Atlantic coast, will likely see Fine as its next representative. Fine, who was once the only Jewish Republican lawmaker in the state legislature, is expected to carry on the conservative values of his predecessor.

Meanwhile, in Florida’s 1st Congressional District, Republican and Democratic primaries were also held on Tuesday to fill the seat left vacant by the abrupt resignation of Rep. Matt Gaetz. Gaetz, who was tapped by Trump to be his attorney general, withdrew himself from consideration amid allegations of illicit drug use and sex with a minor, which he has denied. The House Ethics Committee was preparing a report on these allegations when Gaetz resigned.

Both primary races in Florida are seen as a test of Trump’s influence within the GOP. The general election in the 1st District is also scheduled for April 1, where the Republican candidate will face off against the Democratic nominee.

The outcome of these special elections will have implications for the balance of power in the House, where Republicans are hoping to gain reinforcements to advance Trump’s agenda. With a narrow majority, every seat counts, and the addition of Fine in the 6th District and the new representative in the 1st District could provide much-needed support for Republican leadership.

Overall, these special elections in Florida highlight the continued impact of Trump on the Republican Party and the importance of securing key seats in Congress. The results will shape the political landscape in the state and contribute to the ongoing national conversation on leadership and representation.

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