Two Trump-endorsed Republicans won special House primaries in Florida, setting them up to fill two vacant, deep-red seats and strengthen the party’s slim House majority. State Sen. Randy Fine won the primary in the 6th District with over 80% of the vote, while State Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis won the primary in the 1st District with more than two-thirds support. Both candidates were endorsed by Trump and House Republican leaders as they sought to fill the seats left vacant by former Reps. Mike Waltz and Matt Gaetz. Gaetz had dropped out of the running amid allegations of misconduct and drug use.
Fine and Patronis are heavy favorites in the special general elections, as their districts have historically leaned Republican. The GOP currently holds a slim majority in the House, with a 218-215 edge, meaning only two defections could sink a bill with every member voting. Adding additional members in the April 1 special elections will give Republicans a bit more breathing room in the divided chamber. Despite the resignations of Waltz and Gaetz, the GOP remains focused on maintaining and strengthening their majority in the House.
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