Trump Leads GOP Cavalry Effort in Florida Amid Election Worries in Mike Waltz’s Old District
Florida is holding two special congressional elections today, April 1, 2025, to fill vacancies in its 1st and 6th districts. These elections are considered an early referendum on President Donald Trump’s influence within the Republican Party, especially in traditionally conservative areas.
Florida’s 1st Congressional District
The 1st District, encompassing the western Panhandle, became vacant after former Representative Matt Gaetz resigned following his nomination for U.S. Attorney General by President Trump. The Republican candidate,
Jimmy Patronis, who served as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer from 2017 to 2025, has received President Trump’s endorsement. Despite the district’s strong Republican leanings, Democratic nominee Gay Valimont has outpaced Patronis in fundraising, leading to concerns among Republicans about potential low voter turnout and the possibility of an upset.
