Trump issues key endorsements ahead of Florida special election
President Trump took to social media Saturday to wade into the upcoming Florida special election, which will fill the seats left vacant after Trump returned to office and nominated lawmakers to his administration.
Trump doubled down on his support for Florida State Sen. Randy Fine (R), who is running to replace national security adviser Mike Waltz in the Sunshine State's 6th Congressional District, offering his "complete and total" endorsement.
"America First Patriot Randy Fine is running to represent the Wonderful People of Florida’s 6th Congressional District!" he wrote in a post on Truth Social. " A highly successful, Harvard educated businessman, and greatly respected State Legislator, Randy has been a tremendous Voice for MAGA."
"In Congress, Randy will be an incredible fighter, who will work tirelessly with me to Strengthen our Economy, Lower Taxes, Secure the Border, Champion our Military/Vets, Ensure American Energy DOMINANCE, Protect our always under siege Second Amendment, and Advance PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH," Trump added.
His backing comes despite Fine and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis's (R) contentious history after the state lawmaker switched his endorsement from the governor to Trump during the 2024 GOP presidential primary. DeSantis has suggested the Republican candidate will likely underperform in Tuesday's special election.
“If President Trump were on the ballot in this special election, he would win by 30 points no question,” DeSantis told reporters last week. “It’s a candidate-specific issue. I think the district is so overwhelmingly Republican that it’s almost impossible for someone with an R by their name to lose that district. So I would anticipate a Republican candidate is still going to be successful."
"Do I think they will get even close to the margins that I received or president received? No," he added.
Trump also offered his endorsement for conservative Jimmy Patronis, the state's former chief financial officer, in Florida's 1st Congressional District. The seat was left open by former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who resigned from Congress amid controversy over an ethics report related to sexual misconduct allegations.
Gaetz was originally tapped by Trump to serve as attorney general, but he later withdrew his nomination.
Patronis "is running an incredible Campaign for Congress in Florida’s 1st Congressional District! A fourth generation Floridian from the beautiful Panhandle, and owner of an iconic seafood restaurant," the president wrote in a separate post Saturday on Truth Social. "Jimmy has been a wonderful friend to me, and to MAGA."
"Jimmy has my Complete and Total Endorsement — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!" he added.
While Democratic candidates Gail Valimont and Josh Weil face an uphill battle in the special election, they comfortably outraised their GOP counterparts.
Federal Elections Commission (FEC) filings show Valimont raised $6.4 million, while Weil took in $8.9 million in contributions. On the other side of the aisle, Patronis raised $1.2 million while Fine raised about $560,000, per the reports.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) also offered an endorsement in the race, throwing his support behind Weil in the 6th Congressional District on Friday.
The election is set to take place on April 1.