Despite big political losses, Florida Democrats celebrated “historic performances” in recent congressional special elections that Republicans easily won.
For weeks, Democrats said the Florida special elections in the First and Sixth Congressional Districts would be a referendum on President Donald Trump and could threaten Republican control of the U.S. House. But Republicans won both races easily, even though the Democratic candidates spent millions of dollars.
The Florida Democratic Party was “proud to report historic performances” of Democrat Gay Valimont and Democrat Josh Weil.
“Florida Democrats just put the Republican Party on notice,” said Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried. “Tonight’s results represent a historic overperformance for Democrats and show that voters are already rejecting Trump’s extreme agenda. Though we came up short in these reliably red districts, a double digit swing tonight serves as a warning to Republicans in Congress. There are no ‘safe’ seats in Florida in 2026. Any Republican in a Trump +15 seat or closer should be scared about their re-election chances.”
Gay Valimont received 42% of the vote and Republican Jimmy Patronis received almost 57% of the vote. Florida Democrats said that the 15 point margin was 17 points closer than 2024 and the closest congressional margin in CD 1 history. In addition, Valimont is the first Democratic candidate in modern history to win Escambia County.
Josh Weil received almost 43% of the vote and Republican Randy Fine received almost 57% of the vote. Florida Democrats said that the 14 point margin was 18 points closer than 2024.
“I want to thank Gay Valimont and Josh Weil — as well as their teams and the local county parties supporting their efforts — for running sophisticated campaigns to bring these races down to the wire,” FDP Chair Nikki Fried added. “Their fundraising and organizing efforts showed the country that Florida is worth fighting for, and because of them, Florida Democrats have momentum heading into the 2026 midterms. Their work will reverberate in their districts for years to come.”
