1 day Ago By USA TODAY
WASHINGTON - Republican Randy Fine defeated Democratic challenger Josh Weil on Tuesday in the special election to fill a U.S. House of Representatives seat in northern Florida, a critical win for President Donald Trump and the GOP given their narrow majorities on Capitol Hill.
The race was called for Fine just half an hour after polls closed in the heavily Republican district by the New York Times and CNN . Fine, 50, will be taking over the seat left vacant by Mike Waltz, who Trump tapped to serve as the national security advisor. Waltz previously represented Florida’s red-leaning sixth congressional district, which covers cities such as Daytona Beach as well as the Ocala National Forest.
Republican officials had reportedly raised concerns over how Fine would fare due to his low fundraising numbers, and Trump himself said last week in the White House he wasn't sure how the election would turn out. Weil’s campaign raised nearly $9.5 million through March 12, according to Federal Election Commission data, and that number reached $10 million in the weeks since.
In comparison, Fine raised less than a million dollars, data shows. Fine pulled through, thanks to Trump’s political support and grassroots efforts. The two-term president had joined in on a telerally that Fine held last week, urging voters to cast their ballots on Tuesday and touting the Republican candidate's record.
Fine previously told USA TODAY that if elected, “I think the most important thing I'm going to do is make sure the Trump agenda continues on track.” The seat was critical for Fine to win since Republicans have a razor thin 218-213 seat majority in the House. Fine has been a controversial figure in Florida state politics.
He’s previously called for the expulsion of “any non-Americans who are or have advocated for Muslim terror,” according to The Floridian. He also accused Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis of failing to address antisemitism in 2023.
He has served in the Florida state legislature since 2016 , most recently being elected to serve in the state Senate last year. He resigned from his position. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Republican Randy Fine beats Democrat Josh Weil for House seat in Fla.
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