Special elections to the 119th United States Congress (2025-2026) - Ballotpedia
Special elections to United States Congress are required in the event of vacancies. This page is a compilation of all special elections to the 119th Congress in 2025-2026.
As of November 2024, two special elections have been called to fill vacant seats in the 119th Congress. The following special elections are upcoming:
Florida's 1st Congressional District on April 1, 2025
Florida's 6th Congressional District on April 1, 2025
Special elections to Congress occur when a legislator resigns or is removed from office. Depending on the specific state laws governing vacancies, a state can either hold an election within the same calendar year or wait until the next regularly scheduled election.
Florida's 1st Congressional District special election, 2025
See also: Florida's 1st Congressional District special election, 2025
A special election to fill the seat representing Florida's 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House will be held in 2025. A Republican Party primary was scheduled for January 28, 2025. The Democratic primary was canceled after only one candidate qualified for the ballot. The general election will be held April 1, 2025. The filing deadline was December 6, 2024.
The special election will fill the vacancy left by Matt Gaetz (R), who resigned from office after being selected by Donald Trump (R) to be his nominee for attorney general. Gaetz later withdrew himself from consideration for the position.
Florida's 6th Congressional District special election, 2025
See also: Florida's 6th Congressional District special election, 2025
A special election to fill the seat representing Florida's 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House will be held in 2025. Primaries were scheduled for January 28, 2025. The general election will be held April 1, 2025. The filing deadline was December 7, 2024.
The special election will fill the vacancy left by Michael Waltz (R), who was selected by Donald Trump (R) to serve as national security advisor in his second presidential term.[2]
How to Use These Battlecards
Share with volunteers/staff to quickly brief them on each candidate’s main points.
Reference in voter outreach (door-knocking, phone banking) for quick contrasts:
Patronis vs. Valimont in FL-1
Fine vs. Weil in FL-6
Highlight top strengths/weaknesses to shape persuasive messages or debate prep.
Encourage direct citations of each candidate’s record (voting history, public statements) for credibility.
BATTLECARD: Gay “Jennifer” Valimont (D – FL-1)
Overview
Office Sought: Florida’s 1st Congressional District (special election)
Background: Athletic trainer, caregiver, and activist for healthcare and gun violence prevention after personal family tragedies.
District Partisan Lean: R+19 (heavily Republican)
Key Positions
Healthcare: Stresses affordability, transparency, and stronger insurance regulation to prevent medical bankruptcy.
Gun Policy: Pushes for universal background checks, better enforcement of red-flag laws, and responsible ownership (training, safe storage).
Economy & Insurance: Criticizes high property insurance costs; blames state leaders for homeowner “insurance crisis.”
Education: Pro-teacher, anti–book bans, opposes “Don’t Say Gay”–style laws, and advocates increased funding.
Social Issues: Pro-choice, supports LGBTQ+ rights, frames these stances around individual freedoms and family well-being.
Strengths
Compelling Personal Story: Widow, lost a child to illness—brings genuine empathy and firsthand healthcare struggles.
Grassroots Appeal: Energetic campaigner, strong local Democratic support, resonates with voters seeking a “real person” in office.
Moderate Tone: Positions gun safety and healthcare as common-sense, not radical; aims to reach beyond the Dem base.
Weaknesses
Overwhelming GOP District: Very tough to flip an R+19 seat.
Limited Funding: Far less money than Patronis; can’t match his ads or name recognition.
Inexperience in Government: Opponent may paint her as untested on complex issues.
Notable Controversies
No significant personal scandals—Republicans mainly attack her as too liberal for the area.
Potential Impact if Elected
Legislative Style: Moderate-progressive Democrat focused on healthcare reform, gun safety, and education.
District Effects: Could bring robust constituent services and highlight local issues (insurance, jobs, veterans) but would be a rare Democrat in a deep-red region.
Bottom Line: A major underdog in a solidly Republican seat; running on sincerity, personal resilience, and practical solutions.
BATTLECARD: Jimmy Patronis (R – FL-1)
Overview
Office Sought: Florida’s 1st Congressional District (special election)
Background: Florida Chief Financial Officer (2017–2025), former state legislator, and longtime Panama City resident. Strongly aligned with Trump and Gov. DeSantis.
District Partisan Lean: R+19 (heavily Republican)
Key Positions
Economy & Taxes: Fiscal conservative; focuses on low taxes, deregulation, and pro-business policies.
“Anti-Woke” Policies: Opposes corporate ESG practices, pulled state investments from firms he deems anti-gun or too climate-focused.
Healthcare: Prefers private-sector solutions; emphasizes veterans’ health programs, opposes ACA expansion.
Social Issues: Pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, generally sides with mainstream Florida GOP stances (parental rights in education, tough on immigration, etc.).
Strengths
High Name Recognition & Experience: Long record managing Florida’s finances and serving in the legislature.
Trump Endorsement & Solid GOP Support: Unifies the party base in a strongly Republican district.
Local Roots: Lifelong resident, owns a famed local restaurant—strong community goodwill.
Fundraising & Organization: Has raised nearly $1 million; benefits from well-developed GOP networks.
Weaknesses
Ethics Concerns: Accusations of “pay-to-play” fundraising with insurance companies under investigation by his office.
Establishment Figure: Could face criticism from hard-right voters who preferred Gaetz’s more firebrand style.
Limited Debate Exposure: As the front-runner, he avoids many debates; any gaffe could magnify.
Notable Controversies
Accepted campaign donations from firms under fraud probes; denies any wrongdoing but critics question ethics.
Clashed with Florida’s financial regulator following suspiciously timed campaign donations.
Potential Impact if Elected
Legislative Style: A dependable pro-business Republican vote, likely joining House committees on finance or budget.
Focus: Veterans’ healthcare, disaster relief funding (hurricane-prone district), and opposing ESG at the federal level.
Bottom Line: Favored to win this deep-red seat, continuing the district’s conservative representation with a more measured tone than Gaetz.
BATTLECARD: Josh Weil (D – FL-6)
Overview
Office Sought: Florida’s 6th Congressional District (special election)
Background: Public middle-school math teacher and single father from the Orlando area. First-time candidate emphasizing practical solutions.
District Partisan Lean: Leans Republican, but Weil hopes moderate voters reject Fine’s extremism.
Key Positions
Education: Opposes book bans, “Don’t Say Gay” laws, and teacher intimidation; wants more funding for schools, higher teacher pay, and better mental health support.
Healthcare: Supports expanding coverage, lowering drug costs, public option or similar reforms—very concerned with families’ medical debt.
Economy & Cost of Living: Calls for affordable housing measures, insurance reforms, and pro-middle-class tax policies.
Gun Safety: Supports universal background checks, red-flag laws, and responsible ownership—positions them as common-sense.
Social Issues: Pro-choice, supportive of LGBTQ+ rights, but frames these stances in moderate, family-centered terms.
Strengths
Relatable “Everyday” Profile: Teacher, single dad—authentic, positive approach that contrasts with Fine’s aggression.
Moderate Messaging: Focus on local issues (housing costs, education) can attract independents and disaffected Republicans.
Clean Personal Record: Minimal baggage, which highlights Fine’s controversies by contrast.
Weaknesses
Democrat in a Red District: Must overcome strong GOP partisan lean.
Less Funding & Name Recognition: Lacks Fine’s media platform and large donor network.
No Political Experience: Opponent can claim Weil is untested and would be a “rubber stamp” for national Dems.
Notable Controversies
2015 Incident Restraining a Student: While teaching at a juvenile facility, used physical restraint—suspended, later cleared. He addresses it openly.
Potential Impact if Elected
Governing Style: Likely a moderate Democrat focusing on education, healthcare affordability, and bipartisan problem-solving.
District Representation: Could deliver robust constituent services, forging a stark departure from Fine’s culture-war approach.
Bottom Line: An underdog, but if enough moderate and independent voters reject Fine’s polarizing style, Weil could pull an upset by promising pragmatic, positive leadership.
Quick Note on Third-Party/Independent Candidates
FL-1: Stephen Broden (Independent) — A far-right Texas pastor with extremist statements, likely minimal vote share.
FL-6: Randall Terry (Independent) — Nationally known anti-abortion activist; also likely negligible share but could siphon votes from Fine. Andrew Parrott (Libertarian) — Offers small-government views; also expected to get a small slice.
BATTLECARD: Randy Fine (R – FL-6)
Overview
Office Sought: Florida’s 6th Congressional District (special election)
Background: Firebrand Florida state legislator known for aggressive “culture war” stances (anti-Disney, anti-drag legislation, anti-“woke” education). Recently endorsed by Trump.
District Partisan Lean: Strongly Republican; previous Rep. Waltz won by large margins.
Key Positions
Culture & Education: Led efforts banning drag shows for minors, restricting LGBTQ+ content in schools, pushing “Stop WOKE” laws.
Pro-Israel & Anti-BDS: Extremely hawkish, advocates punishing any organizations he deems anti-Israel.
Social Issues: Staunchly pro-life, opposes abortion with minimal exceptions.
Guns: Vocal Second Amendment supporter, opposes red-flag laws or expanded background checks.
Economy: Pro-tax cuts, pro-deregulation; not shy about using state power against “woke” corporations.
Strengths
Trump Endorsement & Base Appeal: Known for taking on “wokeism” and championing conservative causes—fervent support from the GOP base.
Legislative Track Record: Passed high-profile conservative legislation in Florida (anti-Disney, anti–drag show laws).
Funding & Media Savvy: Raises significant campaign money; adept at making national headlines and rallying Republicans.
Weaknesses
Highly Polarizing Style: Incendiary remarks about LGBTQ+ people, Muslims, and critics—could turn off moderates/independents.
Residency Issue: He lives outside FL-6, viewed by some as carpetbagging.
Feuds & Legal Spats: Held in contempt of court for unprofessional behavior, has a history of intense public conflicts.
Notable Controversies
Anti-LGBTQ Rhetoric: Said “erasing” the LGBTQ community is justified to protect children.
Anti-Muslim Posts: Called recent terrorist incidents evidence of a “Muslim problem,” faced intra-party criticism.
Personal Conflicts: Feuds with local officials, indicted colleagues, etc.; known for threatening to pull funding.
Potential Impact if Elected
In Congress: Would likely join the House Freedom Caucus; push for bans on LGBTQ+ content in education, national abortion restrictions, strict anti-immigration measures, and unconditional support for Israel.
District Representation: Could bring attention to local needs but overshadow them with confrontational culture-war battles.
Bottom Line: The favorite in a red district, yet his extreme tactics may energize opposition, giving Democrats an opening if moderate voters recoil.
Florida’s 1st Congressional District (FL-1)
Why a Special Election? FL-1 (in the Florida Panhandle) is holding a special election because Rep. Matt Gaetz resigned in November 2024 after being nominated for U.S. Attorney General. This district is heavily Republican (Cook PVI R+19) (2025 Florida's 1st congressional district special election - Wikipedia). The Republican nominee Jimmy Patronis faces Democrat Gay “Jennifer” Valimont and Independent Stephen Broden in the April 1 vote (2025 Florida's 1st congressional district special election - Wikipedia). (Other minor candidates, like a write-in, are on the ballot but expected to have little impact.)
Overall Race Dynamics:
FL-1: Given its partisan makeup, Jimmy Patronis is strongly favored to win. He brings experience in governance and aligns with the district’s conservative bent, focusing on jobs and veterans. Gay Valimont faces long odds; her campaign is compelling and might modestly outperform past Democrats by appealing to community concerns (healthcare costs, insurance, gun safety) ('I'm going to get up and fight': Meet Gay Valimont, the FL Democrat running for Matt Gaetz's seat in Congress). She positions herself as a needed change after Gaetz, but the district’s GOP loyalty is a huge hurdle. Stephen Broden is expected to garner only a marginal vote share as an independent; even among hard-right voters, many will stick with Patronis as the practical choice. Broden’s extreme rhetoric (including once suggesting violent revolution) likely makes most voters dismiss him. Thus, FL-1 is likely to remain in Republican hands, with Patronis’s strengths (incumbency-like status, Trump backing) outweighing any vulnerabilities.
FL-6: This race is more competitive than the district’s partisan lean might suggest, due to the contrast between Randy Fine’s polarizing profile and Josh Weil’s centrist appeal. Fine enters as the favorite in a district that supported Waltz and Trump heavily. He will drive turnout among base Republicans with his unabashed conservative agenda (from cracking down on “woke” policies to sealing the border). However, Fine’s divisive style and controversies give Democrats an opening. Josh Weil offers a stark alternative: a calm, local educator focusing on unity and community needs. Weil’s challenge is overcoming the GOP tilt and Fine’s financial advantage, but if moderate Republicans and independents are uncomfortable with Fine, Weil could consolidate their votes. Libertarian Andrew Parrott and ultra-conservative Randall Terry add complexity by pulling a few votes on either flank – Parrott from small-government types, Terry from ultra-religious pro-lifers – potentially chipping at Fine’s total. Still, in this red-leaning district, Fine’s strong base support and Trump’s endorsement might carry him through despite opposition. If Fine wins, he’ll bring his firebrand approach to Washington, likely becoming a prominent – if controversial – freshman voice. If Weil achieves an upset, it would signal rejection of extremism by a segment of GOP voters and send an advocate for pragmatic problem-solving to Congress.
I will gather key information on all candidates in the Florida 1st and 6th congressional district special elections, focusing on their policy positions, past controversies, personal background, and voting records. The goal will be to present an easily digestible summary that informs voters about the choices in these races.
I’ll update you as soon as I have the details.
Florida’s 1st Congressional District Candidates (Special Election April 1, 2025)
Jimmy Patronis (Republican)
Personal Background: A longtime Florida politician, Patronis served in the Florida House (2006–2014) and was the state’s Chief Financial Officer from 2017 until 2025 (Trump-backed Patronis, Fine win Florida GOP primaries for Congress - POLITICO) (Jimmy Patronis wins Republican nomination in CD 1 Special Election). He hails from Panama City, where his family runs a well-known restaurant (Trump-backed Patronis, Fine win Florida GOP primaries for Congress - POLITICO). Patronis was term-limited as CFO in 2026 and had mulled a gubernatorial run before opting for Congress (Trump-backed Patronis, Fine win Florida GOP primaries for Congress - POLITICO) (Trump-backed Patronis, Fine win Florida GOP primaries for Congress - POLITICO). He enjoys strong ties to GOP leaders – for example, he was appointed CFO by then-Gov. Rick Scott and later won two statewide elections (Trump-backed Patronis, Fine win Florida GOP primaries for Congress - POLITICO).
Policy Positions: Patronis is a staunch fiscal conservative and Trump ally. He emphasizes economic and budget issues, touting his experience managing Florida’s finances. As CFO he opposed “woke” corporate policies – for instance, he pulled $2 billion of state funds from BlackRock over its ESG investing focus, saying the firm “openly stated they’ve got other goals than producing returns” (Florida pulls $2 bln from BlackRock in largest anti-ESG divestment | Reuters) (Florida pulls $2 bln from BlackRock in largest anti-ESG divestment | Reuters). He has been critical of Obamacare, arguing the ACA marketplace has “weak security” that enables fraud against Floridians ( CFO Jimmy Patronis: The Obamacare Marketplace is Facilitating Fraud Against Floridians ) ( CFO Jimmy Patronis: The Obamacare Marketplace is Facilitating Fraud Against Floridians ). Patronis generally favors limited government and tax cuts, and he aligns with Florida’s conservative line on social issues (pro-2nd Amendment and anti-abortion, in line with his party). Notably, he proposed using state funds to help pay Donald Trump’s legal bills, reflecting his loyalty to Trump (an idea Gov. DeSantis vowed to veto) (Trump-backed Patronis, Fine win Florida GOP primaries for Congress - POLITICO) (Trump-backed Patronis, Fine win Florida GOP primaries for Congress - POLITICO).
Past Controversies: Patronis has faced ethics scrutiny. In 2019, women’s advocates filed complaints after he released two female employees’ sexual harassment claims without consent, allegedly to pressure a state banking regulator to resign (Women’s group calls for ethics investigation into Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis) (Women’s group calls for ethics investigation into Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis). Critics accused him of using the victims as “political pawns” and violating state confidentiality laws (Women’s group calls for ethics investigation into Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis) (Women’s group calls for ethics investigation into Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis). An associated “pay-to-play” scandal was alleged by a banking regulator, who said Patronis leaked the complaints because the regulator wouldn’t do his bidding (Women’s group calls for ethics investigation into Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis). (Patronis denied wrongdoing, and a state ethics panel later dropped the case.) He has also been criticized for not residing in FL-1 (he’s from outside the district), though only state residency is legally required (Jimmy Patronis wins Republican nomination in CD 1 Special Election). Overall, however, Patronis has avoided major personal scandals and maintains a clean public image aside from these political dust-ups.
Personal Affiliations & Endorsements: Patronis campaigned as Trump’s chosen candidate, boasting Trump’s endorsement and encouragement to run (Jimmy Patronis wins Republican nomination in CD 1 Special Election). He was also endorsed by Americans for Prosperity Action, a Koch-affiliated fiscal conservative group (dstancavage, Author at AFP Action). A Panhandle native with deep GOP connections, he’s backed by many Florida Republicans and has out-raised his rivals, spending big on ads highlighting Trump’s backing (Trump-backed Patronis, Fine win Florida GOP primaries for Congress - POLITICO) (Trump-backed Patronis, Fine win Florida GOP primaries for Congress - POLITICO). His campaign priorities include strengthening the local economy and military (the district hosts many service members) and “fighting Biden’s agenda” in Washington in line with the MAGA platform.
Voting Record: Patronis has no federal voting record yet. In the state legislature he was a reliable Republican vote, supporting tax cuts and business incentives. As CFO (a cabinet post, not a lawmaker), he oversaw insurance and banking regulations – he touts cracking down on fraud and cutting government waste as part of his record ( CFO Jimmy Patronis: The Obamacare Marketplace is Facilitating Fraud Against Floridians ) ( CFO Jimmy Patronis: The Obamacare Marketplace is Facilitating Fraud Against Floridians ). He generally aligned with Gov. DeSantis and the GOP-led legislature on policy (for example, backing Florida’s opposition to ESG investing and expansive gun rights). Expect him to vote conservatively in Congress, especially on fiscal matters and deregulation.
Gay Valimont (Democrat)
Personal Background: Valimont is a Pensacola-area athletic trainer and a first-time politician who became an activist through personal tragedy ('I'm going to get up and fight': Meet Gay Valimont, the FL Democrat running for Matt Gaetz's seat in Congress) ('I'm going to get up and fight': Meet Gay Valimont, the FL Democrat running for Matt Gaetz's seat in Congress). She lost her young son to a brain tumor and her husband to ALS within the last few years, experiences that drove her to advocacy ('I'm going to get up and fight': Meet Gay Valimont, the FL Democrat running for Matt Gaetz's seat in Congress) ('I'm going to get up and fight': Meet Gay Valimont, the FL Democrat running for Matt Gaetz's seat in Congress). She emerged as a gun violence prevention activist – volunteering for 12 years with Moms Demand Action – and decided to challenge Rep. Matt Gaetz in 2024 after he introduced a federal “Stand Your Ground” bill ('I'm going to get up and fight': Meet Gay Valimont, the FL Democrat running for Matt Gaetz's seat in Congress). Although Gaetz won, Valimont garnered about 34% and immediately regrouped to run in the special election (Democrat Gay Valimont announces campaign for Florida’s 1st Congressional District special election | WUWF) (Democrat Gay Valimont announces campaign for Florida’s 1st Congressional District special election | WUWF). She frames herself as a community-oriented candidate, saying “this campaign is not about me…It’s about building a future where every family has the opportunity to succeed” and electing a Representative who “never abandons their post” (Democrat Gay Valimont announces campaign for Florida’s 1st Congressional District special election | WUWF) (Democrat Gay Valimont announces campaign for Florida’s 1st Congressional District special election | WUWF).
Policy Positions: Valimont centers her platform on healthcare, the economy, and public safety. She advocates expanding access to affordable healthcare and lowering prescription drug costs (Democrat Gay Valimont announces campaign for Florida’s 1st Congressional District special election | WUWF). Drawing on her caregiving experience and work in sports medicine, she supports reforms so patients aren’t buried in medical debt – proposing a single, transparent payment scale across insurers (in essence, a move toward universal or “Medicare for All” pricing) ('I'm going to get up and fight': Meet Gay Valimont, the FL Democrat running for Matt Gaetz's seat in Congress) ('I'm going to get up and fight': Meet Gay Valimont, the FL Democrat running for Matt Gaetz's seat in Congress). On the economy, Valimont prioritizes working families: she highlights the local opioid crisis (FL-1’s opioid death rate is double other districts) and wants federal resources for treatment and prevention (Democrat Gay Valimont announces campaign for Florida’s 1st Congressional District special election | WUWF) (Democrat Gay Valimont announces campaign for Florida’s 1st Congressional District special election | WUWF). She also proposes tackling the insurance and housing crises – blasting Florida’s high property insurance rates and corporate rent hikes. She suggests converting vacant military-base buildings into affordable housing and capping insurance premiums, arguing her likely opponent (Patronis, as CFO) “is the very reason we are stuck in this homeowner’s hell” by refusing to rein in insurers ('I'm going to get up and fight': Meet Gay Valimont, the FL Democrat running for Matt Gaetz's seat in Congress). On social policy, Valimont is progressive: She’s fervently pro–gun control, given her Moms Demand Action background. She supports universal background checks on all gun sales, closing the gun-show/private-sale loophole, and enforcing “red flag” laws to disarm domestic abusers or unstable individuals ('I'm going to get up and fight': Meet Gay Valimont, the FL Democrat running for Matt Gaetz's seat in Congress) ('I'm going to get up and fight': Meet Gay Valimont, the FL Democrat running for Matt Gaetz's seat in Congress). She notes Florida’s Stand Your Ground law correlated with a 32% rise in homicides and opposes such laws ('I'm going to get up and fight': Meet Gay Valimont, the FL Democrat running for Matt Gaetz's seat in Congress). In education, Valimont opposes the DeSantis-backed limits on classroom content; as the daughter of two public school teachers, she wants to invest in public schools, pay teachers a living wage, and stop funneling money to unaccountable private voucher programs ('I'm going to get up and fight': Meet Gay Valimont, the FL Democrat running for Matt Gaetz's seat in Congress) ('I'm going to get up and fight': Meet Gay Valimont, the FL Democrat running for Matt Gaetz's seat in Congress). She criticizes Florida for “freaking our kids out” with active-shooter drills and arming staff, instead of focusing on funding and empowering educators ('I'm going to get up and fight': Meet Gay Valimont, the FL Democrat running for Matt Gaetz's seat in Congress) ('I'm going to get up and fight': Meet Gay Valimont, the FL Democrat running for Matt Gaetz's seat in Congress). Valimont is also a pro-choice supporter of women’s rights (consistent with Democratic positions, though not explicitly cited in her platform). Overall, she pitches herself as a moderate-progressive problem-solver keen on healthcare, education, and safety.
Past Controversies: None reported. Valimont is a political newcomer without scandals. She has no known ethical or personal controversies, and her public image is shaped by her advocacy and personal story. In debates she has focused on policy and critiquing Gaetz, avoiding mudslinging. (Her opponents have not surfaced attacks, and a profile describes her as driven by “unspeakable pain” turned into purpose ('I'm going to get up and fight': Meet Gay Valimont, the FL Democrat running for Matt Gaetz's seat in Congress).)
Endorsements & Affiliations: Valimont has earned support from gun-safety and progressive groups. Everytown for Gun Safety (the parent of Moms Demand) endorsed her as part of its “Moms Demand Action volunteer” candidates (Everytown For Gun Safety Endorses First Round of Moms Demand Action Volunteers, Everytown Leaders Running for Office | Everytown). She’s likely backed by local Democratic organizations and activists energized by her 2024 run. Given FL-1’s heavy Republican lean, national Democratic resources are limited, but Valimont has stressed a grassroots campaign (“every voice is heard”). Her campaign focus on opioids and healthcare has drawn praise from some community leaders. She sharply contrasts herself with Gaetz – whom she blasted for “abandoning” his constituents for a Trump appointment – positioning herself as a “people over politics” candidate (Democrat Gay Valimont announces campaign for Florida’s 1st Congressional District special election | WUWF). Funding-wise, she relies on small donors and local Democratic fundraising; she had campaign infrastructure left from 2024, allowing a quick restart (Democrat Gay Valimont announces campaign for Florida’s 1st Congressional District special election | WUWF).
Voting Record: No prior office. Valimont has not held elected office, so she brings a clean slate to legislating. Voters can look at her issue stances (healthcare, gun reform, etc.) and advocacy work for clues. She pledges to vote to protect the Affordable Care Act, Social Security, and Medicare, noting that with the House closely divided, “one vote can make the difference” on these issues ('I'm going to get up and fight': Meet Gay Valimont, the FL Democrat running for Matt Gaetz's seat in Congress). She also indicates she’d support federal actions on gun safety (like universal background check laws) and veterans’ healthcare funding (important in the military-heavy district). Essentially, expect Valimont to vote with Democrats on expanding healthcare access, investing in infrastructure and education, and enacting tougher gun violence prevention measures.
Florida’s 6th Congressional District Candidates
Randy Fine (Republican)
Personal Background: Fine is a Florida state legislator known for his combative style. A Harvard-educated former gambling industry executive, he founded a casino consulting firm and made a fortune before entering politics (Factsheet: Randy Fine - Bridge Initiative) (Factsheet: Randy Fine - Bridge Initiative). He won election to the Florida House in 2016 (representing the Palm Bay area) and, in 2024, won a seat in the Florida Senate (District 19) (Several candidates qualify for special election to fill vacated seat in Congress | Ocala Gazette). Fine is Jewish and has been active on issues of antisemitism in Florida. Throughout his legislative career, he gained a reputation as an “unapologetic MAGA warrior,” often clashing with colleagues and local officials (Ethics commission to give "MAGA Warrior" rare do-over hearing) (Ethics commission to give "MAGA Warrior" rare do-over hearing). President Trump endorsed Fine and encouraged him to run for Congress when Rep. Michael Waltz vacated FL-6, and Fine easily won the GOP primary (Trump-backed Patronis, Fine win Florida GOP primaries for Congress - POLITICO) (Trump-backed Patronis, Fine win Florida GOP primaries for Congress - POLITICO). He does not live in the district (his home is in Brevard County), but like many candidates he took advantage of the rule that only in-state residency is required (Special election coming for some St. Johns County voters | Jacksonville Today) (Special election coming for some St. Johns County voters | Jacksonville Today). At 49 years old, Fine brings legislative experience but also a trail of controversies into this race.
Policy Positions: Fine touts a hard-right platform aligned with Trump’s agenda. He has a solid pro-business, low-tax record in Florida, supporting corporate tax cuts and deregulation. However, he is most known for cultural and social issues. Fine has been a leader in Florida’s culture wars – for example, he led efforts to crack down on drag shows and transgender rights, sponsoring legislation to ban “adult live performances” (like drag shows) in front of minors and vocally opposing gender-affirming care for youth (Special election coming for some St. Johns County voters | Jacksonville Today). In 2023 he drew headlines for fiery remarks “suggesting [the] eradication” of LGBTQ people, which alarmed civil rights groups (Ethics commission to give "MAGA Warrior" rare do-over hearing). (He later said he meant eradicating radical gender ideology, not individuals, but the incident underscored his rhetoric.) Fine is staunchly pro-gun: after President Biden proposed gun reforms, Fine tweeted at Biden, threatening violence – “try to take our guns and you’ll learn why the Second Amendment was written” (Ethics commission to give "MAGA Warrior" rare do-over hearing). This was widely interpreted as hinting at armed resistance. Fine is also extremely pro-Israel and anti-“woke.” He has demanded harsh action against pro-Palestinian campus protests and accused universities of harboring antisemitism. (He even threatened to cut state funding to colleges he felt were too sympathetic to Palestinian causes in 2023.) On healthcare and the economy, Fine falls in line with GOP orthodoxy: repeal the ACA, oppose COVID vaccine mandates, and promote Florida’s model of keeping businesses open. He prides himself on being tough on crime and supportive of law enforcement. Fine’s overall stance is “America First” nationalism – prioritizing border security, a strong military (he applauded Waltz’s work on defense), and confrontation with China. But it’s his aggressive stance on social issues – attacking what he calls “the radical left’s agenda” in schools, entertainment, and government – that most defines his candidacy (Special election coming for some St. Johns County voters | Jacksonville Today).
Past Controversies: Fine has been embroiled in numerous controversies, often of his own making. A Florida Ethics Commission investigation found probable cause that Fine abused his office as a state representative by threatening to withhold state funds to punish local officials in personal feuds (Ethics commission to give "MAGA Warrior" rare do-over hearing) (Ethics commission to give "MAGA Warrior" rare do-over hearing). In one case, he was furious that a Brevard school board member (Jennifer Jenkins) was invited to a charity event instead of him, so he texted officials threatening state budget cuts for a Special Olympics program and a local project – an act a commissioner called “reprehensible” misuse of power (Ethics commission to give "MAGA Warrior" rare do-over hearing) (Ethics commission to give "MAGA Warrior" rare do-over hearing). Fine also insulted Jenkins publicly, calling her a “whore” on social media (Ethics commission to give "MAGA Warrior" rare do-over hearing). He has a history of using coarse, inflammatory language against opponents. In another incident, Fine literally hid under his desk to avoid a subpoena, an episode caught on video that opponents seized on to lampoon him (Ethics commission to give "MAGA Warrior" rare do-over hearing). Fine’s rhetoric toward minority groups has drawn condemnation as well. He made headlines for a 2023 post seemingly endorsing violence against LGBTQ+ people, which The Advocate and others reported as him suggesting their “eradication” (Ethics commission to give "MAGA Warrior" rare do-over hearing). Additionally, Fine has been cited for anti-Muslim bigotry: his social media was “filled” with hashtags like “#MuslimProblem,” and he threatened two Muslim congresswomen (Rep. Ilhan Omar and Rep. Rashida Tlaib) with retaliation for their comments on Israel (Factsheet: Randy Fine - Bridge Initiative) (Factsheet: Randy Fine - Bridge Initiative). These statements have led groups to label him “unhinged” and bigoted (Factsheet: Randy Fine - Bridge Initiative). Fine’s feud with Governor DeSantis also drew notice – after DeSantis didn’t name him to a university presidency, Fine switched his loyalty to Trump and blasted DeSantis for not doing enough against antisemitism (Trump-backed Patronis, Fine win Florida GOP primaries for Congress - POLITICO) (Trump-backed Patronis, Fine win Florida GOP primaries for Congress - POLITICO). Locally, Fine is notorious for relentless attacks on the Brevard School Board (he even tried to dissolve the school district at one point) and for pushing to pull funding from venues that hosted drag performances. In summary, Fine’s ethics and temperament have been questioned across a spectrum: a fellow Republican lawmaker called him a “headline magnet” for his many controversies and “divisive, abrasive” conduct (Ethics commission to give "MAGA Warrior" rare do-over hearing) (Factsheet: Randy Fine - Bridge Initiative). Despite this, Fine has not faced legal consequences – the ethics case is in limbo after a procedural reset – and he embraces his image as a political bulldog.
Voting Record: Fine served in the Florida House for six years and briefly in the Florida Senate, compiling a reliably ultra-conservative voting record (Trump-backed Patronis, Fine win Florida GOP primaries for Congress - POLITICO). He voted for the heartbeat abortion ban (6-week ban) that Florida enacted, backed the Parental Rights in Education law (dubbed “Don’t Say Gay”), and sponsored the bill penalizing venues for drag shows accessible to minors. He consistently voted for corporate tax cuts, expansions of gun rights (such as permitless carry), and against Medicaid expansion. Fine often introduced controversial amendments, for example trying to strip funding from the Orlando Performing Arts Center over a drag event. In Tallahassee, he was known for inserting budget “provisos” to punish entities he clashed with (like threatening a university’s funds over an issue). As a congressman, one can expect Fine to join the House’s Freedom Caucus or hard-right flank. He will likely vote in lockstep with GOP leadership on economics – e.g. to make the Trump tax cuts permanent, repeal environmental regulations, and oppose Biden administration spending – and he may be even more vocal on social legislation, possibly introducing federal versions of Florida’s anti-“woke” laws. Fine has indicated he’ll champion Israel in Congress and could seek a seat on armed services or foreign affairs committees to do so.
Endorsements & Campaign: Donald Trump’s endorsement has been central to Fine’s campaign – Trump called him an “incredible voice for MAGA” and urged “Run, Randy, Run!” (Several candidates qualify for special election to fill vacated seat in Congress | Ocala Gazette) (Several candidates qualify for special election to fill vacated seat in Congress | Ocala Gazette). Fine has also been supported by figures in Trump’s circle; for instance, Roger Stone and some hard-right Florida legislators praised him. Many Tallahassee Republicans quietly back Fine (or at least, did not oppose him) due to his incumbency and fundraising clout. However, Fine’s divisiveness means he lacks some usual endorsements: notably, Gov. DeSantis did not endorse him (given their falling-out). Fine largely self-funded and raised money from conservative small donors – he had a war chest to blanket local markets with pro-Trump, tough-on-“woke” ads (Trump-backed Patronis, Fine win Florida GOP primaries for Congress - POLITICO). His campaign messaging highlights fighting “the Deep State” and leftists, boasting that he “stood up to the liberal establishment in Florida” and will do the same in D.C. (His primary opponents even sarcastically called him part of the “deep state” due to his long tenure (Special election coming for some St. Johns County voters | Jacksonville Today).) Fine’s polarizing style has drawn some cross-party endorsements against him – e.g. moderate Republicans in Brevard quietly supported his primary challengers. But in this solid red district, Fine enters the general as the heavy favorite, leveraging the Trump base and a promise to aggressively advance conservative causes in Congress (Trump-backed Patronis, Fine win Florida GOP primaries for Congress - POLITICO) (Trump-backed Patronis, Fine win Florida GOP primaries for Congress - POLITICO).
Josh Weil (Democrat)
Personal Background: Weil is a 40-year-old math teacher from Kissimmee (Osceola County) who represents the progressive wing of the Democratic Party (GOP's Randy Fine and Democrats' Josh Weil Win Placid Primary for Waltz Congressional Seat | FlaglerLive). He’s a political newcomer in terms of office, but not new to campaigning: in 2022, Weil ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Florida (a long-shot bid where he espoused democratic socialist ideas, ultimately losing to Congresswoman Val Demings). A father of two, Weil says he was inspired to run for Congress “by my children and students, who deserve to grow into a society where we care about the facts, the planet, and each other” (Several candidates qualify for special election to fill vacated seat in Congress | Ocala Gazette) (Several candidates qualify for special election to fill vacated seat in Congress | Ocala Gazette). He has branded himself a “proud progressive” and even a socialist – at one point tweeting that “only a socialist can win Florida” and lauding socialism’s promise to “take care of everyone” (The Truth About Josh Weil | Selmont for Congress) (The Truth About Josh Weil | Selmont for Congress). Weil won the Democratic special primary with about 61% against a more centrist opponent, indicating local Democrats chose a bold progressive vision (Randy Fine, Joshua Weil win, will be candidates for Congress in ...) (The Truth About Josh Weil | Selmont for Congress). Notably, Weil does not live in District 6 (he’s from the Orlando area), but like others, ran statewide so residency wasn’t a barrier (Special election coming for some St. Johns County voters | Jacksonville Today) (Special election coming for some St. Johns County voters | Jacksonville Today). Professionally, beyond teaching, Weil has been involved in education policy discussions and previously worked at a juvenile justice youth academy (see controversies).
Policy Positions: Weil offers an unabashedly progressive platform. On healthcare, he supports a move toward universal coverage – effectively Medicare for All or a similar system. He has argued for eliminating profit-driven insurance confusion; in his words, “the great thing about socialism is it will take care of everyone” (The Truth About Josh Weil | Selmont for Congress) (The Truth About Josh Weil | Selmont for Congress). Weil wants to lower Medicare’s eligibility age and empower Medicare to negotiate drug prices. He is also in favor of universal mental health care access (something he’s mentioned in forums, tying it to preventing violence). On the economy, Weil proposes an “American Dream Economy” plan focusing on workers. This likely includes raising the minimum wage, strengthening unions, investing in infrastructure and green jobs, and taxing the ultra-wealthy to fund social programs (consistent with his publicly socialist leanings). He has spoken about giving “credit where credit is due – to the people doing the work,” signaling pro-labor and income equality policies (Issues | Weil for FL CD6 - Josh Weil). Weil is a strong proponent of aggressively addressing climate change – he mentions caring about “the planet” as core to his campaign (Several candidates qualify for special election to fill vacated seat in Congress | Ocala Gazette). He would back a Green New Deal–style investment in renewable energy and coastal resiliency (sensible given parts of FL-6 are on the Atlantic coast and vulnerable). On social policies, Weil is firmly progressive: he is pro-choice, opposing Florida’s 6-week abortion ban and supporting federal legislation to protect abortion rights. He champions LGBTQ+ rights and would fight to overturn bans on transgender care or discriminatory laws (he criticized Fine’s anti-trans proposals during the campaign). He supports common-sense gun safety measures like universal background checks and banning high-capacity magazines – although his primary focus has been economic issues, he aligns with Democratic positions on guns. A distinguishing stance is his view on foreign policy: Weil has called for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel and criticized Israeli government actions in Jerusalem (The Truth About Josh Weil | Selmont for Congress). This is a controversial position, especially running against a pro-Israel candidate. Weil, aligning with the party’s left flank, also would cut defense spending and redirect funds to domestic needs. He opposed U.S. military interventions overseas, reflecting a non-interventionist streak. In sum, Weil’s platform mirrors Bernie Sanders or AOC: Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, tuition-free public college, robust gun reform, and a less militaristic foreign policy. He openly embraces the term “socialist” to describe some of his policy perspective (The Truth About Josh Weil | Selmont for Congress), which sets him apart from more moderate Florida Democrats.
Past Controversies: Weil’s opponents have flagged incidents from his teaching career and provocative statements. In 2015, while teaching at a juvenile detention school, Weil was involved in a physical altercation with a 13-year-old student. He reportedly grabbed the student by the neck and threw him to the ground, causing the child’s head to hit the floor and leave a bruise (The Truth About Josh Weil | Selmont for Congress). Weil was suspended for three days over the incident (The Truth About Josh Weil | Selmont for Congress). He later admitted, “A kid got hurt. I felt horrible about it…It’s not something I’m happy about,” though he maintained he was trying to break up a confrontation and was unprepared for it (The Truth About Josh Weil | Selmont for Congress). Additionally, a female colleague accused Weil of harassment at the same school – alleging that he poked her with a stick, blocked her doorway, and even set his photo as her computer screensaver, making her feel unsafe (The Truth About Josh Weil | Selmont for Congress). Weil denies these allegations and no charges were filed, but the complaints exist in his record (The Truth About Josh Weil | Selmont for Congress). These incidents were raised in the Democratic primary; Weil acknowledged the student incident as a mistake, and no further disciplinary actions occurred after investigations. Apart from his work history, Weil’s social media presence has sparked controversy. His openly socialist remarks are polarizing in a purple-area district. Republicans have seized on a tweet where he jokingly insinuated Senator Lindsey Graham is gay (saying Graham “sleeps in the arms of a Grindr date who’s signed an NDA”) (The Truth About Josh Weil | Selmont for Congress), which some saw as an inappropriate personal attack. Weil’s call to cut aid to Israel is also controversial, likely alienating pro-Israel voters and drawing accusations that he’s outside the mainstream (especially running against Fine, who labeled him extreme on this issue). However, Weil has no scandals involving corruption or finances; his controversies stem from personal conduct and outspoken views. He has tried to frame himself as transparent about these incidents, whereas his detractors label them disqualifying.
Voting Record: No prior office. If elected, Weil would likely join the progressive caucus in Congress. His presumed voting pattern would mirror the leftmost Democrats: supporting expanding social programs, opposing defense spending increases, and pushing for aggressive climate legislation. For example, he would vote for Medicare for All, for a $15+ federal minimum wage, for the PRO Act (to strengthen unions), and against abortion restrictions or bans. He would also likely vote against bipartisan consensus on military aid (as signaled by his stance on Israel) – possibly voting “no” on defense budgets that he feels are too large or on aid packages without human-rights conditions. Given the current narrow House margins, his vote could be crucial on issues like raising the debt ceiling (he would insist on protecting social programs in any deal) or on voting rights (he’d support measures like the John Lewis Voting Rights Act). In short, Weil would be a dependable progressive vote, aligned more with the Squad than with centrist Democrats.
Endorsements & Campaign: Weil’s campaign has been fueled by progressive activists. He’s endorsed by several county-level Democratic progressive caucuses and groups like the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) chapter members (he’s not officially DSA-endorsed, but enjoys grassroots socialist support). His opponent in the primary, Ges Selmont, even launched a “Truth about Josh Weil” site to attack him (The Truth About Josh Weil | Selmont for Congress), underlining how divisive his profile is. Weil likely has backing from teachers’ unions or education groups given he’s a public school teacher, though those unions also vetted the controversies. He isn’t a big fundraiser, relying on small donations from the left flank; his campaign is a low-budget operation focusing on door-knocking (he’s been organizing volunteers heavily in the district (Volunteers for Joshua Weil for FL-6 - Mobilize)). As an underdog in a GOP-leaning district, Weil emphasizes energizing the Democratic base – young voters, minorities in Volusia/Daytona, and disaffected working-class voters. He offers himself as a bold alternative to “MAGA extremism,” saying even disillusioned Republicans should consider him because he offers “hope” beyond Trump-style politics (Len's Political Note #704 Josh Weil Florida 06 - Len's Political Notes). However, establishment Democrats have been cautious: some fear his socialism tag makes him less electable in this area. Weil’s platform and style have drawn comparisons to Bernie Sanders; indeed, he appears to be running a Sanders-esque campaign in miniature, hoping that passion and grassroots support can overcome the district’s GOP tilt.