Republican state senator Randy Fine has emerged victorious in the special election for Florida’s 6th Congressional District, securing 53.7% of the vote against Democratic challenger Josh Weil, who received 45.6%. This election was held to fill the seat vacated by former Representative Mike Waltz, who stepped down to serve as President Donald Trump’s national security advisor. Fine’s win ensures the district remains under Republican control, reinforcing the party’s presence in Florida’s congressional delegation.
While Florida’s 6th District has traditionally leaned Republican, this race was more competitive than many anticipated. Josh Weil, an educator and political newcomer, ran an energetic campaign that managed to significantly close the polling gap in the weeks leading up to the election. Despite Fine’s strong conservative backing, including endorsements from Trump and other prominent GOP leaders, his campaign faced challenges such as lower fundraising numbers and delayed advertising efforts. These factors contributed to the surprisingly close outcome, underscoring the importance of strong voter outreach and campaign infrastructure—even in traditionally safe districts.
