Special Elections in Florida’s 1st and 6th Congressional Districts: Key Races to Watch

Special elections to replace Florida’s Republican former U.S. Representatives Matt Gaetz and Michael Waltz are set to take place on Tuesday. The elections will be held in two GOP strongholds, but Democrats are optimistic that strong fundraising could make these traditionally safe Republican seats more competitive.

What’s at Stake?

While control of the U.S. House of Representatives is not directly at stake, the outcome of these elections could give Republicans a slight edge in the closely divided chamber. Currently, Republicans hold 218 seats, the minimum required for a majority, while Democrats hold 213 seats. The two vacant seats, previously held by Democrats, add to the stakes of these races.

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1st Congressional District Race

The 1st Congressional District, a Republican stronghold bordering Alabama, is set to replace Matt Gaetz. Running for the seat are Republican Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s chief financial officer and a Trump-endorsed candidate, and Democrat Gay Valimont, a gun control activist. Patronis secured his spot after winning a crowded primary with Trump’s support. Valimont previously ran against Gaetz in November and secured 34% of the vote.

The district is home to Naval Air Station Pensacola and Eglin Air Force Base, and it has consistently voted Republican for decades. In the 2024 presidential election, Trump received about 68% of the vote in the district.

6th Congressional District Race

Republican state Senator Randy Fine and Democrat Josh Weil, a public school educator, are vying to replace Michael Waltz in the 6th Congressional District. Fine, who represents a state Senate district outside the congressional boundaries, received Trump’s endorsement and emerged victorious in a three-way primary.

The 6th District, situated on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, includes Daytona Beach and has a long history of Republican victories. Trump carried the district with 65% of the vote in 2024, and Waltz received about 67% in his final reelection.

Background and Challenges

Gaetz resigned after being nominated as attorney general by former President Trump, though he later withdrew from consideration amid a federal sex trafficking investigation. Waltz resigned to take on the role of White House national security adviser but recently faced scrutiny for inadvertently adding a journalist to a private group chat discussing military plans.

Voting and Results

Polls will close at 7 p.m. local time, with results expected shortly after. Early voting indicates high engagement, with significant turnout among both Republicans and Democrats. The Associated Press will provide live updates and declare winners only when a clear outcome is established.

The outcome of these elections will not only impact the composition of Florida’s congressional delegation but could also influence the GOP’s stability in the U.S. House.

Key Points: Florida Special Elections to Replace Gaetz and Waltz

Election Context:

• Special elections are being held to replace Florida’s Republican former U.S. Representatives Matt Gaetz (1st District) and Michael Waltz (6th District).
• These elections take place in traditionally Republican strongholds.

1. Significance:
   • The elections will not alter the control of the U.S. House but could give Republicans more stability in the narrowly divided chamber.
   • Republicans currently hold 218 seats, just enough for a majority, while Democrats have 213 seats.
2. 1st Congressional District:
   • Republican Candidate: Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s chief financial officer, endorsed by Donald Trump.
   • Democratic Candidate: Gay Valimont, a gun control activist who previously ran against Gaetz.
   • The district is a GOP stronghold, home to Naval Air Station Pensacola and Eglin Air Force Base.
   • Trump won 68% of the district’s vote in 2024.
3. 6th Congressional District:
   • Republican Candidate: Randy Fine, state senator endorsed by Trump.
   • Democratic Candidate: Josh Weil, a public school educator.
   • The district includes Daytona Beach and consistently votes Republican.
   • Trump received 65% of the vote in 2024, while Waltz got 67% in his final reelection.
4. Background:
   • Gaetz resigned after being nominated as attorney general by Trump but later withdrew amid a federal investigation.
   • Waltz resigned to serve as White House national security adviser, recently facing controversy over a private group chat leak.
5. Voting Details:
   • Polls close at 7 p.m. local time.
   • High voter turnout expected, with significant early voting already recorded.
   • Results will be announced once clear, with updates provided by the Associated Press.