Trump’s cabinet picks sparked political chain reaction in Florida’s congressional elections
TALLAHASSEE, Florida — The slate of candidates has been set for two special elections in Florida aimed at replacing members of Congress appointed to positions in President-elect Donald Trump’s new administration. Two dozen candidates ran for the seats of incumbent Republican Reps. Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz, although Trump has already weighed in on his preferred successors.
Trump’s dependence on Florida lawmakers for his new cabinet sparks a political chain reaction this opens up new possibilities in the state in 2026 and beyond. Several incumbent elected officials ran for congressional seats, including state Finance Director Jimmy Patronis, triggering other vacancies and election opportunities.
Both Republican congressmen were easily re-elected to their respective seats in November, Gaetz in a northwest Florida district known for its sandy beaches and military installations, and Waltz in a part of the state in south of Jacksonville which includes Daytona Beach.
Special elections to replace them should not change The slim majority of Republicans in the House, but could spark another shakeup among the state’s political candidates eyeing a run for governor in 2026, as Gov. Ron DeSantis’ second term draws to a close.
Patronis is among those Republican insiders say is considering a run for governor, and a term in Congress could help boost his profile. Trump recently expressed support for Patronis in the race to replace Gaetz in Congressional District 1, although that hasn’t deterred the 15 other qualified candidates from running, even in a district where Trump is extremely popular.
“Jimmy Patronis has my complete and utter support,” Trump said on his social media site Truth Social. “RUN, JIMMY, RUN!”
Other candidates running include Republican state Rep. Joel Rudman, a doctor who launched his political career by criticizing mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The only Democrat running is Gay Valimont, an activist with the gun control advocacy group Moms Demand Action who unsuccessfully challenged Gaetz in November.
In the race for Waltz’s seat in Congressional District 6, Republican state Rep. Randy Fine won Trump’s support. Fine is a self-described “conservative firebrand” who was investigated for allegations related to posting a school board member’s phone number online, leading to a wave harassment and threats against him. No charges have been brought against him.
Eight other candidates have entered the race for the seat, including three Democrats and one non-party-affiliated candidate — Randall Terry, an anti-abortion activist who ran as the Constitution Party’s presidential candidate last month.
Gaetz had been selected to be Trump’s Attorney GeneralBefore withdraw amid the continuing fallout of a federal investigation into sex trafficking. Gaetz has vehemently denied the allegations. Although no longer under consideration, Gaetz had already resigned his seat in Northwest Florida, a move that effectively shut down a House ethics committee. investigation over his allegations of sexual misconduct and illegal drug use.
Trump nominated Waltz to be his own national security advisoralthough the three-term congressman and retired National Guard officer has also been touted as a candidate for secretary of defenseas president-elect considers possible replacements amid growing questions about former Fox News host That of Pete Hegseth personal conduct and ability to obtain Senate confirmation.
Ballots for the two special elections will begin being distributed to military and overseas voters on December 14. The primary is scheduled for January 28 and the general election will take place on April 1.
___ Kate Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to cover under-reported issues.
