Apr 1, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Republicans retain Mike Waltz's House seat

Andrew Solender

Florida voting booth sign — A sign directs voters to cast their ballots at a polling station set up at the Flagler County Public Library on April 1. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Republican Randy Fine defeated Democrat Josh Weil in the race for Florida's 6th Congressional District, according to AP.

Why it matters: Republicans were skittish about a close race that didn't bear out. The result will embolden them and serve as yet another blow to Democrats' electoral ambitions.

In that state's 1st District, Jimmy Patronis, the Republican candidate to replace former GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz, is even less vulnerable than Fine was to retain a district that Trump won by 37 points.
For Speaker Mike Johnson's (R-La.) House Republicans, Tuesday's two specials are the only real-world data points they'll get this year on what's coming in 2026.
Fine will replace Mike Waltz, who Trump named his national security adviser.

The big picture: Johnson is dealing with a razor-thin majority that has been exceedingly difficult to manage and has raised questions about his ability to enact Trump's agenda.

Go deeper: Trump considered firing Waltz

Add Axios on Google

Republicans retain Mike Waltz's House seat

What to read next