DC, brace yourselves for Randy Fine: ‘Hardest right hook in the business’
In a recent discussion, Florida state Sen. Joe Gruters highlighted the intensity of political actions, stating, “Somebody punches him, he throws the biggest haymaker that's around at his opponents,” adding that “and that goes for Republicans and Democrats.”
TroibNews 
Congress has witnessed its share of provocative and confrontational figures, particularly from Florida. However, Randy Fine is poised to deliver surprises on a national level following his recent special election victory in a strongly Republican district on Florida's northeast coast.
Throughout his nine years in the Florida Legislature, Fine earned notoriety for his combative political approach and clashes with local officials. The former gambling executive has now entered a wider arena with his recent electoral win.
Fine's controversial comments are well documented; three years ago, he referred to a school-board member as a “whore” in a text message. He faced sanctions from Facebook for sharing details about a school-board meeting on masking policies, which included the personal phone number of that same board member. Following an incident during a virtual hearing where he appeared to give the middle finger, a judge mandated that Fine attend anger management.
In a recent congressional hearing, Fine became frustrated with a pro-Palestinian activist and dismissed him by saying, “Enjoy your terrorist rag.” When protests broke out in response, he threatened to clear the room. “I’m the chairman, I can say what I want,” he asserted. “If you don’t like it, you can leave.”
Tension between Fine and Governor Ron DeSantis has escalated since Fine shifted his 2024 presidential endorsement from DeSantis to Donald Trump. Fine even penned a stinging op-ed in the Washington Times, critiquing DeSantis for his perceived inadequacy in combating antisemitism in Florida amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Despite the time elapsed since their fallout, DeSantis has been vocal about Fine's shortcomings. “He repels people,” DeSantis remarked during a post-election tirade, criticizing Fine’s performance, claiming he only secured a 14-point victory due to the president's last-minute support.
In response, Fine has taken jabs at DeSantis, highlighting the governor's dwindling time in office and unclear political future. “A dying star burns hottest before it fades into oblivion,” he tweeted before reiterating that sentiment during his initial national interview on FOX Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria.”
While Fine has accrued adversaries, his supporters view his brash demeanor as an asset in legislation. “The guy is destined for stardom,” said Florida state Sen. Joe Gruters, a close ally, recognizing Fine's remarkable ability to fight back in political skirmishes. Gruters added, “Somebody punches him, he throws the biggest haymaker that's around at his opponents, and that goes for Republicans and Democrats.”
Fine's shift from ally to adversary of DeSantis marks a significant change; he was previously the governor’s Jewish outreach chair and was instrumental in pushing forward many of DeSantis' notable policies, including legislation related to classroom instruction and protections against minors attending certain performances. He was also an advocate for parental involvement in education, contributing to what critics labeled the “Don’t Say Gay” law.
When Disney opposed these measures, Fine proposed legislation aimed at dismantling the theme park’s special tax status, celebrating the end of their feud by expressing eagerness to enjoy Disney's offerings with his family.
Chris Sprowls, former speaker of the Florida House, often sought Fine’s assistance for difficult tasks, praising his articulate policymaking and debating skills. “He's the guy who wants the ball,” Sprowls said, emphasizing how valued Fine is among his peers.
Gruters echoed this sentiment, stating, “If you want a bill to pass in the Legislature, the first guy I always recommend is Randy Fine, because he will beat the crap out of his colleagues to try to make sure that that bill passes.”
Known as the “Hebrew Hammer,” a nickname he embraces, Fine was the sole Jewish Republican during much of his tenure in state politics. He's publicly acknowledged that supporting pro-Israel initiatives is a primary motivation for his political career while expressing controversial views towards Muslims. In reference to his Democratic opponent in the special election, who is a Muslim convert, Fine derogatorily labeled him as “Jihad Josh.”
The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations has called for Fine to be censured for his comments, including a post where he declared, “Gaza must be destroyed.” Fine has also made inflammatory remarks on social media directed at Democratic Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, suggesting they “might consider leaving before I get there. #BombsAway.”
Despite the controversy, Fine received early endorsement from the Republican Jewish Coalition, with allies defending him as an ardent advocate for Israel. Sprowls stated, “He is unapologetic about fighting for Israel,” and acknowledged Fine as someone who is unwavering in his stance on critical issues.
Former President Trump endorsed Fine on Truth Social ahead of his race and lauded him as a “tremendous Voice for MAGA.” However, as the campaign progressed, Fine faced stiff competition with his opponent raising substantial funds and polling closely.
Fine has expressed a long-held interest in serving in Congress, dating back to his childhood. In a past summer internship, a congressman advised him against pursuing a political career until he could secure his financial future, leading Fine to a successful career as a gambling executive by age 40.
Initially uninterested in politics, Fine's motivation was reignited by concerns over his child's education, particularly in regard to how common core math was taught. “I got told I wasn't qualified to have an opinion about it, because I don't have a degree in academic administration," he recounted, citing his own Harvard education and realizing he wanted to advocate for parents in similar situations.
In January, tensions rose between the Legislature and DeSantis over immigration policy, with Fine stepping forward to clarify the Legislature’s position during a moment of conflict. Even opponents have acknowledged Fine’s abilities, with a Democratic aide noting his effectiveness, despite generally disagreeing with him politically.
Florida Democrats largely share DeSantis’ negative view of Fine, with state Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried labeling him both an “asshole” and “a bad politician and a bad person,” stating her agreement with DeSantis for the first time in six years.
Fine faced backlash from Jennifer Jenkins, a former school-board member, who lambasted his conduct. “Randy Fine’s behavior speaks for itself,” she said, criticizing him for being divisive and untrustworthy.
When asked about his approach in Congress, Fine reflected on the time it took him to establish himself in the Legislature, suggesting that adaptation is necessary and expressing confidence that his aggressive style will resonate in Washington. “I do think that my style will work well in Washington. I mean, I'm an aggressive guy.”
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
Throughout his nine years in the Florida Legislature, Fine earned notoriety for his combative political approach and clashes with local officials. The former gambling executive has now entered a wider arena with his recent electoral win.
Fine's controversial comments are well documented; three years ago, he referred to a school-board member as a “whore” in a text message. He faced sanctions from Facebook for sharing details about a school-board meeting on masking policies, which included the personal phone number of that same board member. Following an incident during a virtual hearing where he appeared to give the middle finger, a judge mandated that Fine attend anger management.
In a recent congressional hearing, Fine became frustrated with a pro-Palestinian activist and dismissed him by saying, “Enjoy your terrorist rag.” When protests broke out in response, he threatened to clear the room. “I’m the chairman, I can say what I want,” he asserted. “If you don’t like it, you can leave.”
Tension between Fine and Governor Ron DeSantis has escalated since Fine shifted his 2024 presidential endorsement from DeSantis to Donald Trump. Fine even penned a stinging op-ed in the Washington Times, critiquing DeSantis for his perceived inadequacy in combating antisemitism in Florida amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Despite the time elapsed since their fallout, DeSantis has been vocal about Fine's shortcomings. “He repels people,” DeSantis remarked during a post-election tirade, criticizing Fine’s performance, claiming he only secured a 14-point victory due to the president's last-minute support.
In response, Fine has taken jabs at DeSantis, highlighting the governor's dwindling time in office and unclear political future. “A dying star burns hottest before it fades into oblivion,” he tweeted before reiterating that sentiment during his initial national interview on FOX Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria.”
While Fine has accrued adversaries, his supporters view his brash demeanor as an asset in legislation. “The guy is destined for stardom,” said Florida state Sen. Joe Gruters, a close ally, recognizing Fine's remarkable ability to fight back in political skirmishes. Gruters added, “Somebody punches him, he throws the biggest haymaker that's around at his opponents, and that goes for Republicans and Democrats.”
Fine's shift from ally to adversary of DeSantis marks a significant change; he was previously the governor’s Jewish outreach chair and was instrumental in pushing forward many of DeSantis' notable policies, including legislation related to classroom instruction and protections against minors attending certain performances. He was also an advocate for parental involvement in education, contributing to what critics labeled the “Don’t Say Gay” law.
When Disney opposed these measures, Fine proposed legislation aimed at dismantling the theme park’s special tax status, celebrating the end of their feud by expressing eagerness to enjoy Disney's offerings with his family.
Chris Sprowls, former speaker of the Florida House, often sought Fine’s assistance for difficult tasks, praising his articulate policymaking and debating skills. “He's the guy who wants the ball,” Sprowls said, emphasizing how valued Fine is among his peers.
Gruters echoed this sentiment, stating, “If you want a bill to pass in the Legislature, the first guy I always recommend is Randy Fine, because he will beat the crap out of his colleagues to try to make sure that that bill passes.”
Known as the “Hebrew Hammer,” a nickname he embraces, Fine was the sole Jewish Republican during much of his tenure in state politics. He's publicly acknowledged that supporting pro-Israel initiatives is a primary motivation for his political career while expressing controversial views towards Muslims. In reference to his Democratic opponent in the special election, who is a Muslim convert, Fine derogatorily labeled him as “Jihad Josh.”
The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations has called for Fine to be censured for his comments, including a post where he declared, “Gaza must be destroyed.” Fine has also made inflammatory remarks on social media directed at Democratic Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, suggesting they “might consider leaving before I get there. #BombsAway.”
Despite the controversy, Fine received early endorsement from the Republican Jewish Coalition, with allies defending him as an ardent advocate for Israel. Sprowls stated, “He is unapologetic about fighting for Israel,” and acknowledged Fine as someone who is unwavering in his stance on critical issues.
Former President Trump endorsed Fine on Truth Social ahead of his race and lauded him as a “tremendous Voice for MAGA.” However, as the campaign progressed, Fine faced stiff competition with his opponent raising substantial funds and polling closely.
Fine has expressed a long-held interest in serving in Congress, dating back to his childhood. In a past summer internship, a congressman advised him against pursuing a political career until he could secure his financial future, leading Fine to a successful career as a gambling executive by age 40.
Initially uninterested in politics, Fine's motivation was reignited by concerns over his child's education, particularly in regard to how common core math was taught. “I got told I wasn't qualified to have an opinion about it, because I don't have a degree in academic administration," he recounted, citing his own Harvard education and realizing he wanted to advocate for parents in similar situations.
In January, tensions rose between the Legislature and DeSantis over immigration policy, with Fine stepping forward to clarify the Legislature’s position during a moment of conflict. Even opponents have acknowledged Fine’s abilities, with a Democratic aide noting his effectiveness, despite generally disagreeing with him politically.
Florida Democrats largely share DeSantis’ negative view of Fine, with state Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried labeling him both an “asshole” and “a bad politician and a bad person,” stating her agreement with DeSantis for the first time in six years.
Fine faced backlash from Jennifer Jenkins, a former school-board member, who lambasted his conduct. “Randy Fine’s behavior speaks for itself,” she said, criticizing him for being divisive and untrustworthy.
When asked about his approach in Congress, Fine reflected on the time it took him to establish himself in the Legislature, suggesting that adaptation is necessary and expressing confidence that his aggressive style will resonate in Washington. “I do think that my style will work well in Washington. I mean, I'm an aggressive guy.”
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
