The recent inauguration week has seen several Floridians assuming key positions in Washington D.C. This shift has led to a series of special primary elections scheduled for January 28, aimed at filling the congressional seats left vacant by Matt Gaetz and Michael Waltz. Waltz recently took on the role of Director of National Intelligence.
In Florida's Congressional District 1 (CD-1), CFO Jimmy Patronis is competing against a crowded field that includes former Escambia County Commissioner Gene Valentino and former Florida State Representative Joel Rudman. Meanwhile, in Congressional District 6 (CD-6), Florida State Senator Randy Fine faces two primary challengers. The winners of these Republican primaries are expected to be strong contenders in their respective general elections on April 1, given the districts' solid Republican leanings.
Governor DeSantis has also announced election timelines for special elections in Florida Senate District 19 and Florida House District 3. These elections have been prompted by Fine and Rudman's congressional bids. Primaries for these state legislative vacancies will take place on April 1, with general elections scheduled for June 10.