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By Anna Commander
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Florida Republicans alongside President Donald Trump were handed another critical election win on Tuesday as Jimmy Patronis won the House race for Florida's 1st Congressional District.
Patronis' victory came shortly after Republican state Senator Randy Fine won another special election in Florida's 6th Congressional District, defeating Democrat Josh Weil.
Newsweek reached out to Patronis via X, formerly Twitter, Tuesday night for comment.
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Why It Matters
These are the first major elections since Trump was inaugurated in January. Trump backed both Republican candidates running in the Sunshine State and their victories widen GOP's narrow control of the House of Representatives.
While Democrats have touted that Republicans in both races underperformed Trump's general election performance, Republicans celebrated the victories after previously voicing concerns about a much tighter race in Florida's 6th Congressional District.
What To Know
The Associated Press projected Patronis' victory at 8:20 p.m. ET. As of 8:28 p.m., Patronis had nearly 85,000 votes, the outlet reported.
The 1st Congressional District, in the Florida Panhandle and encompassing the city of Pensacola, is a longtime Republican stronghold, having an over 30-point advantage.
The district seat was previously held by Republican Matt Gaetz, a staunch Trump supporter nominated by the president for attorney general but backed out amid bipartisan backlash over sexual misconduct allegations.
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What People Are Saying
Trump, on Truth Social Tuesday night: "BOTH FLORIDA HOUSE SEATS HAVE BEEN WON, BIG, BY THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE. THE TRUMP ENDORSEMENT, AS ALWAYS, PROVED FAR GREATER THAN THE DEMOCRATS FORCES OF EVIL. CONGRATULATIONS TO AMERICA!!!"
Charlie Kirk, CEO and founder of Turning Point USA, posted to X on Tuesday: "🚨BREAKING: Republican Jimmy Patronis has defeated Democrat Gay Valimont to win the Florida's 1st Congressional District vacated by Matt Gaetz. Valimont raised $6.5 million compared to Patronis' $2.1 million, and still lost. Republican HOLD. All eyes turn to Wisconsin..."
Florida Republican Congressman Byron Donalds posted to X: "Congratulations @JimmyPatronis on winning election to Florida's 1st Congressional District. This is another important win for our @HouseGOP Majority, the America First Agenda, and the nation. Thank you to the patriotic Northwest Floridians who helped to make this win possible."
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, in a statement sent to Newsweek Tuesday night: "Congratulations to Gay Valimont on running a strong campaign that will make a difference for Florida's 1st Congressional District for years to come. Her massive overperformance in a Trump +37 district is the best performance for Democrats in the district this century and spells trouble for Republicans everywhere."
Martin continued, "Valimont made critical inroads in this deeply red district and showed Republicans that, even in a place Trump won by nearly 40 points, this seat would not be handed to them. I thank Gay Valimont for her leadership and for once again stepping up to run in a difficult district. Make no mistake: The momentum is on our side. Democrats have overperformed in 15 out of 16 special elections this year. Democrats are going to keep winning races and – ultimately – take back the House next year."
What Happens Next
Wisconsin has a critical state Supreme Court election Tuesday night. Polls close at 9 p.m. ET and Republicans have thrown their political backing behind Brad Schimel.
The race has developed into the most expensive judicial race ever.
Update 4/1/25, 11:05 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 4/1/25, 9 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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