Trump's endorsement faces first tests of his presidency in Florida special primary elections
The power of President Donald Trump’s endorsement will face the first tests of his second term Tuesday in a pair of special primary elections in Florida.
The power of President Donald Trump’s endorsement will face the first tests of his second term Tuesday in a pair of special primary elections in Florida.
Both of Trump’s preferred candidates — Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis in the 1st Congressional District and state Sen. Randy Fine in the 6th District — appear to be in strong positions, trouncing their primary opponents in fundraising and garnering support from outside groups.
"Trump’s endorsement has loomed large in Florida Republican politics for most of a decade," said Florida consultant Jamie Miller, a former executive director of the state GOP, noting Trump's support was a crucial factor in propelling Gov. Ron DeSantis to victory in his 2018 primary.
“If you have a qualified candidate who doesn’t make a major mistake, that person is highly likely to win a primary,” Miller added.
Patronis is looking to replace former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who withdrew as Trump’s pick for attorney general amid allegations of sexual misconduct in November. Gaetz announced his plans to resign after Trump had announced his plans to nominate him. Fine is vying to replace former Rep. Michael Waltz, who is now Trump's national security adviser.
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