TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The candidate lineup has been finalized for two special elections in Florida, aimed at filling the congressional seats vacated by members who have been nominated for positions in President-elect Donald Trump’s newly formed administration. A total of 24 individuals have expressed their intention to run for the positions of outgoing Republican Representatives Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz, although Trump has already indicated his preference for potential successors.
The administration’s reliance on lawmakers from Florida is creating a ripple effect in the state’s political landscape, presenting new prospects for future elections in 2026 and beyond. Several incumbent officials, including Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s chief financial officer, have declared their candidacy for the vacant congressional seats, leading to additional opportunities and open positions in the state’s political arena.
Both Representatives Gaetz and Waltz were successful in their reelection bids last November, with Gaetz serving a district in northwest Florida notable for its military bases and picturesque beaches, while Waltz represented a region south of Jacksonville that encompasses Daytona Beach.
While the upcoming special elections are not anticipated to alter the Republican Party’s narrow majority in the House, they might catalyze a reshuffling of political aspirations among those eyeing a gubernatorial run in 2026, particularly as Governor Ron DeSantis approaches the end of his second term.
Patronis has emerged as a potential gubernatorial candidate, and securing a congressional term could enhance his public profile. Recently, Trump expressed his support for Patronis with a message posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, encouraging him to “RUN, JIMMY, RUN!” despite the presence of 15 other candidates vying for the same seat in a district where Trump enjoys significant popularity.
Among the other candidates competing to succeed Gaetz is Republican State Representative Joel Rudman, a physician known for opposing mask mandates during the pandemic. The only Democrat in this race is Gay Valimont, an activist from the gun control group Moms Demand Action, who had previously challenged Gaetz in November without success.
In contention for Waltz’s seat in Congressional District 6 is Republican State Representative Randy Fine, who has garnered Trump’s endorsement. Fine, who describes himself as a “conservative firebrand,” has faced scrutiny for allegedly publishing the personal phone number of a school board member online, which resulted in harassment and threats against her. However, no legal action was taken against him.
The field for this seat also includes eight other candidates, among them three Democrats as well as Randall Terry, an anti-abortion activist with no party affiliation, who recently ran as the Constitution Party’s presidential nominee.
Gaetz had initially been considered for the role of Trump’s attorney general but withdrew his name amid ongoing controversies surrounding a federal sex trafficking investigation. He has consistently denied the allegations against him. Despite stepping back from the attorney general role, Gaetz had already resigned from his congressional seat, which effectively concluded a House Ethics Committee inquiry regarding claims of sexual misconduct and drug use.
In a similar vein, Trump has appointed Waltz as his national security advisor, and the three-term congressman, a retired Army National Guard officer, has also been mentioned as a candidate for defense secretary due to speculation surrounding former Fox News host Pete Hegseth’s conduct and his prospects for securing Senate confirmation.
Balloting for both special elections is set to commence on December 14 for military and overseas voters. The primary elections are scheduled for January 28, with the general election taking place on April 1.
