How special House elections in Florida could send waves through US politics
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Mar 31, 2025
Some analysts are calling two special elections in Florida on Tuesday, April 1, a big test for President Trump and his agenda.
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Some ysts are calling two special elections in Florida on Tuesday a big test for President Trump and his agenda
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Both seats have been vacated by Republicans, and the results could have major implications on the balance of power in the House of Representatives
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where Republicans currently hold a 218 to 213 advantage. In District 1 in the Florida Panhandle, Republican Jimmy Petronas, who is a Trump-backed candidate, is running against Democrat Gay Valamont
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The seat was held by Republican. Congressman Matt Gates, who resigned from the House in January after President Trump nominated Gates
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to become Attorney General. Gates bowed out amid the release of a House ethics investigation against him
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The congressional seat is now up for grabs. Petronus is Florida's chief financial officer. Valamont is a
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gun control activist. Patronus has expressed concern that Valamont had raised nearly $6.5 million
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since early January, compared to his $1.1 million. As Democratic, Democrats attempt to flip the seat
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It's a district that Donald Trump won by 37 points in November
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and where Valamont lost to Gates in November. In District 6 around Daytona Beach there is a battle for the seat vacated by former Congressman Mike Walts who is now the Trump administration national security advisor Republican state senator Randy
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Fine is trying to hold the seat, where Donald Trump won by 30 points in November, against
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a strong push by Democratic challenger Joshua Weil. Weil is a teacher who has made President
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Trump's vow to dismantle the Education Department and threats of cuts to Medicaid and Medicare
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central themes of his campaign. Fine is a supporter of President Trump running on an America
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First agenda of secure borders and lower taxes. In the most recent fundraising period
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Wyle had raised $9.7 million compared to fines $561,000 plus $600,000 of his own money
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The wide funding disparity is giving Republican leaders cause for concern in District 6
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The Wall Street Journal is reporting that internal fine campaign polling should
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showed while closing in and the race for fine, quote, uncomfortably tight
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According to state voter data, Republicans outnumbered Democrats by a two-to-one margin in both districts
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However, reports indicate Democrats have been running slightly ahead in early voting
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