Jakony Tribune. Continue Reading at - WFLA
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — Two Florida leaders are already emerging as potential frontrunners to replace Former Congressman Matt Gaetz and current U.S. Representative Mike Waltz in D.C.
Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and State Senator Randy Fine of Brevard County already have some powerful backing in the race for these two coveted congressional seats.
Both State Senator Randy Fine and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis received endorsements from President-elect Donald Trump before either made their announcement to run public.
Many are wondering if these endorsements will lead them to the finish line.
Political analysts share that the speedy Special Election process and endorsements are no coincidence for the Republican party.
“The Republican-held majority in the House of Representatives is very slim and they need every vote to count when they select the next speaker of the house,” said Newsom.
St. Pete political analyst Tara Newsom shares that it’s important for the republican party to show unity and be in lockstep with President-elect Donald Trump.
CFO Patronis and State Senator Fine took to “X” after the Trump endorsements. Patronis shared he is “ready to serve” and Fine asked Floridians to join him in his fight for Congressional District 6.
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power acknowledges the Trump endorsements but reminds folks that there are other GOP candidates.
“There’s other people in the race and we, as the Republican party, stay out of that. But we’ll be prepared to defend that seat when it comes to the general election,” said Power.
Florida Democratic chairwoman Nikki Fried shared that Florida Democrats are fielding candidates for both districts as well.
Power adds the GOP will be prepared to fight to return republican members to Congress.
“President Trump won in a landslide and the house is a little bit narrower. Every house seat we give up, we want to fill up as quickly as possible. So we can return that full republican majority,” said Power.
Two Special Elections are now set by Florida’s Secretary of State. The ‘qualify period’ for both districts will be December 5th through the 6th.
All eyes will be on possible candidates as the state continues to reach election deadlines.
