GOP Declares Victory in Florida Special Election Even Though Dems Spent 10X More

Trump-backed Republican Randy Fine has won a special election in Florida’s 6th Congressional District, securing another seat for the GOP in the U.S. House. The race was closer than usual, but it still ended in a Republican victory despite heavy Democrat spending.

Key Facts:

Randy Fine, endorsed by President Trump, won Florida’s 6th Congressional District in a special election.
He will replace Rep. Michael Waltz, who left to become Trump’s National Security Advisor.
Fine’s opponent, Democrat Josh Weil, raised nearly $10 million—almost ten times more than Fine.
Outside GOP groups spent $1 million in the final week to support Fine.
The win increases the GOP’s slim House majority by one seat.

The Rest of The Story:

Florida’s 6th Congressional District, which spans the Atlantic coast from Daytona Beach to just south of St. Augustine, has been a Republican stronghold in recent elections.

Former Congressman Mike Waltz routinely secured over 60% of the vote before leaving Congress to join the Trump administration.

The race was the closest the district has seen since 2018, drawing national attention due to its timing and potential impact on the narrow Republican majority in the House.

Democrat Josh Weil, a public school employee with no prior political experience, raised a surprisingly large campaign fund.

Democrats spent $10 million in Florida to lose by 11%.

Congratulations to Congressman-Elect Randy Fine! pic.twitter.com/BJz6mZ2vr4

— ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) April 2, 2025

However, despite his financial advantage, he could not unseat the GOP’s hold on the district.

Republican-aligned groups poured in additional support during the final stretch, and Trump’s endorsement likely helped energize GOP voters.

Fine publicly thanked Trump after the win, and Trump praised Fine’s victory on social media.

Because of you, Mr. President.

I won’t let you down. pic.twitter.com/AH8XLjYJde

— Senator Randy Fine (@VoteRandyFine) April 1, 2025

Commentary:

This election confirms what many have suspected for years: Florida is no longer a swing state—it’s solid red.

Despite national media chatter suggesting a toss-up, the voters told a different story.

The GOP base in Florida is energized, organized, and loyal.

Randy Fine’s victory—especially in the face of massive Democrat fundraising—speaks to more than just local politics.

It shows that the Trump brand still carries weight with Florida voters.

From Governor Ron DeSantis’ resounding re-election to Trump’s wide margins in Florida in 2024, the state continues to shift deeper into Republican territory.

The fact that Democrats spent nearly $10 million on a race they still lost shows a growing disconnect between political donations and voter sentiment.

You can’t buy trust or voter enthusiasm—and Republicans seem to have both in Florida.

Even with outside money and a close race, the GOP’s machine pulled together a win.

And this wasn’t a sleepy district.

It was a national test for the direction of both parties heading into 2026.

One side showed up.

The other overspent and underperformed.

Fine’s win helps the GOP shore up a slim House majority, but more than that, it shows the strength of grassroots support for conservative leadership in Florida.

The media may keep predicting surprises, but the voters keep delivering clarity.

The Bottom Line:

Randy Fine’s win in Florida’s 6th District adds to the GOP’s slim House majority and underscores Florida’s growing alignment with Republican leadership.

Despite a heavy Democratic fundraising edge, the GOP held the line.

Trump’s endorsement and DeSantis’ lasting influence helped seal the deal.