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Primaries Underway for Key Congressional Seats in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Primaries for the U.S. House seats formerly occupied by Representatives Mike Waltz and Matt Gaetz are set to kick off this Tuesday in districts known for their strong conservative support, particularly for former President Donald Trump.

One of the pivotal seats is the 1st Congressional District in northwest Florida, historically represented by Gaetz. Following his withdrawal from the race to become Trump’s attorney general and subsequent allegations of sexual misconduct, Gaetz announced his departure from Congress.

The contest for the 6th Congressional District, which spans south of Jacksonville to Daytona Beach, is also significant. This district was previously held by Waltz, who has transitioned to serve as Trump’s national security adviser, a role that does not require Senate confirmation.

Republican candidates are expected to maintain control of both seats, which would help solidify their narrow majority of 220-215 in the U.S. House while pursuing the agenda set by Trump. However, the implementation of these policies might be delayed as Congress awaits the results of the special elections scheduled for April 1.

Here’s what to know about Tuesday’s special elections:

In the 1st District, Trump has endorsed Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis. Patronis, who hails from Panama City, has been a prominent figure in state politics and is known for his family’s local seafood restaurant, Capt. Anderson’s. His connection with long-time political ally former Governor Rick Scott, who appointed him CFO in 2017, adds to his profile in the race.

Meanwhile, in the 6th District, state Senator Randy Fine has garnered Trump’s backing. Fine, recognized for his staunch conservative positions, including a strong pro-Israel stance and efforts against LGBTQ+ rights, has a history in politics, having been elected to the Florida House in 2016. His recent criticism of Governor Ron DeSantis for perceived inaction against antisemitism signals a potential rift within the party.

In the competition against Patronis, former state Representative Joel Rudman stands out as a prominent challenger. Rudman, a doctor, gained attention by opposing mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fine’s race includes two additional Republican candidates: Aaron Baker from Sorrento and Ehsan Joarder from Brooksville, who markets himself as a “young entrepreneur” through his campaign platform.

In the 1st District, Democrat Gay Valimont, who previously challenged Gaetz and secured 34% of the vote in November’s election, is renewing her bid for a seat in Congress after a significant defeat.

For the 6th District, which Waltz won by a remarkable 30-point margin last November, two Democratic candidates have emerged: Josh Weil, an educator from the Orlando area, and Ges Selmont, a businessman with prior experience running for Congress against Rep. John Rutherford in 2018.

According to political scientist Aubrey Jewett of the University of Central Florida, the Republican primary candidates have an advantageous position to secure their paths to Congress in both districts.

Despite the strong endorsements they received from Trump, both Fine and Patronis have faced scrutiny regarding their residential ties to the districts they aim to represent. Jewett notes that the primary outcomes, particularly for Gaetz’s former seat, could be competitive.

Jewett also suggests that Democrats might increase their chances of success in districts with low voter turnout, referencing recent trends in special elections.

“Democrats might be able to take Waltz’s seat, but it would take a small miracle,” Jewett remarked. “I think for the Gaetz seat, that would be more than a small miracle. It would be like a very large miracle to take that one.”

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Matat reported from West Palm Beach, Florida. Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

Source
abcnews.go.com