ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The special election for Florida’s Congressional District 6 seat, taking place on April 1, 2025, has sparked significant interest among voters, with early turnout exceeding expectations. This election comes after the resignation of Republican Mike Waltz, who left his position to serve as National Security Advisor under President Donald Trump.
Vicki Oakes, St. Johns County Supervisor of Elections, noted that early voting turnout reached about 22%, surpassing her prediction of 20%. "In St. Johns County, we have 240,000 registered voters. In Congressional District 6, there are only 33,000 eligible voters," Oakes explained, highlighting the disparity in voter registration. Despite some voters being turned away for not meeting residency requirements, the overall enthusiasm for the election has been palpable.
On the ballot are Republican State Senator Randy Fine and Democrat Josh Weil, with the race being considered much closer than initially anticipated. Fine, endorsed by Trump, has faced challenges in rallying support in a district that Trump won by 30 points in the previous election. Meanwhile, Weil has raised an impressive $9.5 million for his campaign, significantly outpacing Fine's fundraising efforts.
Republicans are bracing for what could be a surprising upset in this traditionally Republican stronghold. "It's good that people are worried," Fine told NewsNation, acknowledging the heightened stakes of the election. "When you’re a candidate, you should only run one of two ways: scared, or unopposed." He expressed confidence that voters in the district would reject Weil's progressive platform, which he characterized as out of touch with local values.
Weil, on the other hand, is capitalizing on the increased voter turnout and the dissatisfaction some voters feel towards Fine. "I’d be lying if I said there were not people who donated because they wanted no more of Randy Fine at any level of government," Weil stated, emphasizing the need for change. His campaign has resonated with voters who are eager for a different direction, especially in light of the national political climate.
As the election approaches, both candidates have ramped up their campaign efforts. Fine has been actively engaging with voters, rallying support in Ormond Beach just a day before the election. "We're going to win big. This is not a place that wants a Bernie Sanders-endorsed proud socialist who not only wants to defund the police, but does not believe they should carry weapons," he asserted, attempting to solidify his base and sway undecided voters.
In contrast, Weil's team has been focused on mobilizing their supporters, with a strong emphasis on turnout. The early voting numbers reveal that Republicans have cast 47,543 ballots, compared to 38,247 from registered Democrats. However, independent and minor party voters have also made their voices heard, with 15,471 ballots cast, indicating that the race remains competitive.
Oakes expressed hope that the national attention surrounding the election would encourage even more voters to head to the polls. "I’d love to see 30, 35% voter turnout. That would be great, especially for a special election," she said. Polls are set to be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, and Oakes urged voters to verify their registration status before heading out.
In addition to the District 6 race, attention is also on Florida's District 1, where Republican Jimmy Patronis and Democrat Gay Valimont are competing to fill the seat left vacant by Matt Gaetz, who resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations. The dynamics in this race are also noteworthy, with Valimont raising $6.4 million compared to Patronis's $1.2 million, despite the district's strong Republican lean.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has underscored the significance of these races, stating that they could signal a shift in voter sentiment ahead of the 2026 elections. "These are races that should not, under ordinary circumstances, be on anyone’s political radar. They are safe Republican seats that Donald Trump won by more than 30 points," Jeffries remarked, indicating that Democratic overperformance could reshape the political landscape.
The stakes are high for both parties as they navigate this pivotal election. With early voting indicating a strong turnout and the potential for an upset, all eyes are on Florida’s Congressional District 6. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the outcome could have lasting implications for the balance of power in Congress.
As Election Day approaches, voters are reminded to check their registration and ensure they are eligible to participate. The excitement surrounding this special election reflects a broader national trend of increased voter engagement, underscoring the importance of every vote in shaping the future of local and national politics.
