Democrats Channel Anti-Trump Anger Into Florida Special Elections/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Democrats, frustrated by President Trump’s sweeping federal changes, are investing heavily in two Florida special elections. Candidates Gay Valimont and Josh Weil are dramatically out-fundraising GOP opponents in deep-red districts. Though winning seems unlikely, Democrats hope to send a national message and gain momentum heading into 2026.
Florida Special Elections Quick Looks
- Democrats surge funding into GOP-held Florida House races
- Special elections held April 1 in Florida’s 1st and 6th Districts
- Seats vacated by Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz after Trump appointments
- Democratic candidates out-raising GOP rivals by large margins
- GOP candidates backed by Trump, including Randy Fine and Jimmy Patronis
- Josh Weil has raised $9 million vs. Fine’s ~$1 million
- DeSantis allies unexpectedly backing Fine despite political tensions
- National implications seen as early test of Trump’s second term
- Democrats aim to overperform and spark 2026 House momentum
- Turnout in special elections remains critical factor for both parties
Democrats Target Trump Strongholds in Florida Elections
Deep Look
Democrats Channel Anti-Trump Anger Into Florida Special Elections
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — With few immediate avenues to counter President Donald Trump’s sweeping changes in his second term, Democrats are turning their attention—and wallets—to two special congressional elections in Florida. These races, set for April 1, have become unlikely battlegrounds in deep-red districts that Trump won handily in 2024.
Democratic candidates Gay Valimont and Josh Weil are mounting energetic campaigns in Florida’s 1st and 6th Congressional Districts, vying to flip Republican seats once held by Trump appointees Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz. Their efforts are buoyed by a tidal wave of donations from across the country, with campaign funding reaching millions—particularly in the case of Weil, who has raised nearly $9 million.
While outright wins in these conservative territories are considered long shots, Democrats see potential in outperforming expectations. A strong showing, they believe, could energize their base and demonstrate growing resistance to Trump’s second-term agenda ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
“We’re seeing something remarkable—these aren’t swing districts, but the fundraising is off the charts,” said Aubrey Jewett, a political scientist at the University of Central Florida. “It’s a signal that Democratic voters are engaged, even in Trump territory.”
The stakes are particularly high in the 6th District, a stretch north of Orlando, where public school teacher Josh Weil is outpacing his Trump-endorsed rival, state Sen. Randy Fine, by a 10-to-1 fundraising margin. Fine, known for his staunch conservatism and controversial stances, has recently poured $600,000 of his own money into the race and is receiving outside support topping $2 million, trying to narrow the financial chasm.
In the 1st District, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, another Trump loyalist, faces Valimont in a race attracting similar national attention. Both races are seen as early tests of voter sentiment under Trump’s new administration, particularly given recent controversies involving both former representatives. Gaetz withdrew from a potential attorney general appointment following misconduct allegations, while Waltz is facing scrutiny for sharing sensitive military information.
Republicans are aware of the high-profile attention and are mobilizing to avoid embarrassment. President Trump has personally called into tele-town halls to rally support for Fine and Patronis, emphasizing the significance of these races. “We need to win big,” said Doug Stauffer, GOP chair in Okaloosa County. “A narrow win is not good enough in a district this red.”
The fundraising disparity has not gone unnoticed, prompting even unlikely allies to join forces. Despite past tensions, allies of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis—who clashed with Fine during the GOP primary—have begun supporting his campaign. A DeSantis staffer recently urged “grassroots warriors” to canvas and make calls, calling the race “critical.”
For Democrats, the attention alone may be a win. “These are districts no one would have expected to be in play,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “That shows the American people are not happy with the GOP agenda.”
Weil, for his part, credits a widespread, grassroots movement for his campaign’s success. “This isn’t about political games,” he said. “It’s about voters taking action against policies that threaten our democracy and institutions.”
Still, Republicans remain confident. Evan Power, chair of the Florida GOP, expressed faith in the party’s “ground game,” while acknowledging turnout in special elections is historically low. “That could impact margins,” he admitted.
Even if the Democrats don’t flip the seats, observers agree the races could shape the national conversation. Jewett noted that money alone doesn’t win elections, but the sheer attention these races are getting is notable.
“This is more than just about these two seats. It’s about momentum, messaging, and testing the waters.”
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