Trump spearheads GOP mobilization in Florida amid electoral concerns in the district formerly represented by Mike Waltz
The president is hosting a tele-town hall to support state Sen. Randy Fine ahead of the special election on April 1.
TroibNews 
President Donald Trump is set to appeal directly to Florida voters during two congressional special elections, particularly as concerns grow among national Republicans regarding one of the deep-red districts.
On Thursday evening, Trump will participate in tele-town halls for state Sen. Randy Fine and Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.
The urgency of these events arises from Republicans’ concerns that the Fine race in the GOP-dominated 6th District is more competitive than expected. Trump has endorsed Fine for the seat, but his Democratic challenger, Josh Weil, has generated $10 million for his campaign, predominantly using anti-Trump messaging on social media to attract out-of-state contributions.
Trump’s involvement reflects a broader effort to ensure Republican voter turnout in the area, which encompasses Daytona Beach and St. Augustine. This district was previously represented by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis during his congressional tenure.
Even amid an ongoing feud with Fine from the 2024 Republican presidential primary, DeSantis has dispatched his team to assist in the campaign. Additionally, a super PAC linked to Elon Musk is contributing $20,000 to support both Fine and Patronis, according to campaign finance reports. The Republican Party of Florida has also supported the campaign with TV ad funding, while the Florida Young Republicans plan to canvass the district over the weekend.
Support from the MAGA base has been vocal, with Donald Trump Jr. recently taking to social media to rally support for Fine, stating, “Radical Democrats are pouring millions of dollars into this race trying to take congress away from the Republicans, so we need to fight for the America First agenda.”
Steve Bannon, a prominent figure in MAGA circles, featured Fine on his WarRoom podcast and encouraged listeners to back his campaign. Furthermore, Fine has received an endorsement from conservative radio personality Mark Levin.
The vacant seat is a result of its former holder, Mike Waltz, stepping into the role of national security adviser, amidst criticism over a leaked group chat discussing an attack on Houthi rebels in Yemen.
A recent poll conducted by StPete Polls indicates that the race is within the margin of error, despite Trump having won the district by over 30 points in the 2024 election. There are signs that Republican voters are beginning to participate in early voting in greater numbers.
Nonetheless, GOP leaders aim to prevent Democrats from interpreting even a tight race as a reflection of Trump’s presidency. They are also keen to expand their House representation, given their slim majority.
Trump will be the special guest in the second tele-town hall on Thursday night for Patronis, whose campaign for a House seat in the Panhandle has received less attention. This election will also occur on April 1 and is aimed at filling the position once held by Republican Matt Gaetz.
Weil’s campaign, which aims to present him as a progressive teacher, has not been without its challenges. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently requested that his campaign remove an online advertisement that she did not approve of.
Additionally, Florida Politics reported that over $51,000 raised by Weil's campaign was allocated toward a luxury Airbnb lodge that serves as their campaign headquarters. Data from AdImpact indicates that Weil's spending on TV ads has been less than $1 million, despite television advertising being the most effective method for candidates in Florida to achieve favorable election outcomes.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
On Thursday evening, Trump will participate in tele-town halls for state Sen. Randy Fine and Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.
The urgency of these events arises from Republicans’ concerns that the Fine race in the GOP-dominated 6th District is more competitive than expected. Trump has endorsed Fine for the seat, but his Democratic challenger, Josh Weil, has generated $10 million for his campaign, predominantly using anti-Trump messaging on social media to attract out-of-state contributions.
Trump’s involvement reflects a broader effort to ensure Republican voter turnout in the area, which encompasses Daytona Beach and St. Augustine. This district was previously represented by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis during his congressional tenure.
Even amid an ongoing feud with Fine from the 2024 Republican presidential primary, DeSantis has dispatched his team to assist in the campaign. Additionally, a super PAC linked to Elon Musk is contributing $20,000 to support both Fine and Patronis, according to campaign finance reports. The Republican Party of Florida has also supported the campaign with TV ad funding, while the Florida Young Republicans plan to canvass the district over the weekend.
Support from the MAGA base has been vocal, with Donald Trump Jr. recently taking to social media to rally support for Fine, stating, “Radical Democrats are pouring millions of dollars into this race trying to take congress away from the Republicans, so we need to fight for the America First agenda.”
Steve Bannon, a prominent figure in MAGA circles, featured Fine on his WarRoom podcast and encouraged listeners to back his campaign. Furthermore, Fine has received an endorsement from conservative radio personality Mark Levin.
The vacant seat is a result of its former holder, Mike Waltz, stepping into the role of national security adviser, amidst criticism over a leaked group chat discussing an attack on Houthi rebels in Yemen.
A recent poll conducted by StPete Polls indicates that the race is within the margin of error, despite Trump having won the district by over 30 points in the 2024 election. There are signs that Republican voters are beginning to participate in early voting in greater numbers.
Nonetheless, GOP leaders aim to prevent Democrats from interpreting even a tight race as a reflection of Trump’s presidency. They are also keen to expand their House representation, given their slim majority.
Trump will be the special guest in the second tele-town hall on Thursday night for Patronis, whose campaign for a House seat in the Panhandle has received less attention. This election will also occur on April 1 and is aimed at filling the position once held by Republican Matt Gaetz.
Weil’s campaign, which aims to present him as a progressive teacher, has not been without its challenges. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently requested that his campaign remove an online advertisement that she did not approve of.
Additionally, Florida Politics reported that over $51,000 raised by Weil's campaign was allocated toward a luxury Airbnb lodge that serves as their campaign headquarters. Data from AdImpact indicates that Weil's spending on TV ads has been less than $1 million, despite television advertising being the most effective method for candidates in Florida to achieve favorable election outcomes.
Frederick R Cook for TROIB News
