Trump's Pick Wins GOP Primary: Waltz's Shoes Filled in Florida

Trump's Pick Wins GOP Primary: Waltz's Shoes Filled in Florida

4 minute read
Published: 1/29/2025

In a dramatic GOP primary win, Randy Fine snatched up over 80% of the votes in Florida's 6th District, setting the stage for a showdown against Josh Weil in a general election that's more than a year away—get your popcorn ready!

Randy Fine's resounding victory not only positions him as the Republican front-runner to fill Mike Waltz's now-vacant congressional seat—prompting a possible renewal of Florida's most notorious wrestling match—but also signals a deeper rivalry within the GOP. With Trump's endorsement boosting Fine and a controversial legislative history that includes battling drag shows for kids, the stage is set for a bellwether election in April 2025. As tensions flare between Fine and Weil, the rest of us can only sit back and enjoy the political theater—popcorn not included.

Fine's primary win is a notable departure from the standard political fare. One can almost hear the collective sigh of relief from the GOP establishment as they watch their freshly-minted candidate glide effortlessly across the primary finish line, leaving his opponents wondering if they misread their cue cards. Fine's triumph reportedly has him channeling energy levels previously attributed to caffeinated squirrels, as he prepares to take on the general election.

The historical context is, of course, nearly as riveting as Fine's performance. Mike Waltz resigned from his position to don a new hat as Trump's national security advisor—a role that marks a turn from fighting local political battles to possibly avoiding international scuffles. It's almost as if Waltz stepped away to join a real-life version of Risk, leaving behind a board game of his own making in the vibrant 6th District.

Fine’s journey from Florida legislator to congressional candidate seems inevitable, considering his previous work in the House—though one could argue that navigating the political scene in Florida is akin to maneuvering a boat through a swamp, with potential alligators lurking beneath. His endorsement by the former president adds further fuel to the fire, not unlike when someone lobs a particularly spicy chili pepper into an otherwise bland stew. Voters in the district seem eager to find out just how hot things will get.

Not one to shy away from controversy, Fine has previously proposed a bill that would ban drag performances for children. While catching heat from some quarters, he appears to revel in the spotlight, much like a cat that believes it rules the household. Only time will tell if his bravado translates into votes when the general election rolls around or if it merely garners a healthy dose of criticism from the opposition.

Josh Weil isn't just twiddling his thumbs waiting for the election—he's won the Democratic primary and is gearing up for the general election set for April 1, 2025. It’s a classic case of political David versus Goliath, assuming one of the combatants has wrested the government budget and a former president's endorsement while the other is armed with a passionate plea for a different vision for the future. As the dust settles, both sides have time to prepare for their respective campaigns, and Fine is counting every moment he gets to bank this awareness.

Meanwhile, the Republicans cling tenuously to a three-seat majority in the House, proving that every vote matters, if only to maintain a sense of normalcy. As Fine preps for the big dance in 2025, one can't help but wonder about the peculiar turn of fate that places so much political leverage into an electoral battle for a seat formerly held by Waltz, with looming whispers about whether Fine will take on the mantle of 'Congressman in Spandex' during his campaign.

To add another layer to the Florida political landscape, a special primary is set for Florida’s 1st District to fill the shoes left by Matt Gaetz—whose exit followed allegations not even the most seasoned political satirists could concoct. Among the candidates is state CFO Jimmy Patronis, diving headfirst into this wild political arena. One could speculate that he might prefer to stay afloat in this contest rather than take a dive like his predecessor.

With a hint of darkness shadowing the political waters, the upcoming months promise ample political theater, filled with enough plot twists to keep even the most jaded news junkie engaged.

As the dust of this primary settles, and before the lights of the general election shine down on the candidates, one thing seems certain: Florida’s political circus will keep everyone guessing. Fine has been endorsed by President Donald Trump and won the Republican primary to fill Mike Waltz's vacant seat in Florida's 6th Congressional District, receiving over 80% of the GOP primary vote. The general election for Fine's seat is set for April 1, 2025.