logo
Key congressional seats up for grabs in special elections as GOP holds slim House majority

Key congressional seats up for grabs in special elections as GOP holds slim House majority

Yahoo01-04-2025

The Brief
Congressional seats in District 1 and District 6 are up for grabs on Tuesday.
In District 1, Republican Jimmy Patronis, Florida's chief financial officer, faces Democrat Gay Valimont, a gun control activist.
In District 6, Republican State Sen. Randy Fine is running against Democrat Josh Weil, a public school educator.
TAMPA, Fla. - Voters in parts of Florida are heading to the polls on Tuesday to fill two congressional seats recently vacated by Republicans.
The GOP holds a five-seat edge over Democrats in the U.S. House, with four vacancies nationwide, including the two in Florida.
The backstory
District 1, which covers the western portion of the Florida Panhandle, was previously represented by former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who resigned from Congress in late 2024.
Republican Jimmy Patronis, Florida's chief financial officer, faces Democrat Gay Valimont, a gun control activist.
District 6, which includes parts of St. Johns County and all of Putnam County, saw its congressional seat vacated when former Rep. Michael Waltz became President Donald Trump's national security advisor.
Republican State Sen. Randy Fine is running against Democrat Josh Weil, a public school educator.
What they're saying
Republican strategists have expressed some alarm over how close these races may have become, especially in District 6, where Weil has outraised Fine by a 10-1 margin.
While recent polling suggests the race could be close, analysts caution against reading too much into those numbers in districts where Trump won by more than 30 points in November 2024.
"These special elections are very weird," said Dr. Michael Binder, faculty director of the Public Opinion Research Lab at the University of North Florida. "It's difficult to lean on historical voter turnout trends and figuring out who's ultimately going to show up."
READ: Governor DeSantis proposes eliminating property taxes in Florida
Still, the polls and fundraising numbers have stoked nerves among Republican strategists. Fine, specifically, has been called out by top officials in his party.
Democratic Party leaders remain tempered, though, when it comes to their ability to pull off an upset in either race.
What's next
Polls opened on Tuesday at 7 a.m. ET in the 6th District and 8 a.m. ET in the 1st District, with voting closing at 7 p.m. ET in the 6th District and 8 p.m. ET in the 1st District.
Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
The Source
Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Kellie Cowan.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA:
Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV
Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android
Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines
Download the SkyTower Radar app
Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Trump's $1,000-per-baby investment accounts: What to know
Trump's $1,000-per-baby investment accounts: What to know

The Hill

time13 minutes ago

  • The Hill

Trump's $1,000-per-baby investment accounts: What to know

President Trump has lauded the House-approved spending bill for the 'pro-family initiative' tucked inside the legislation, which creates investment accounts for newborn babies. 'They'll really be getting a big jump on life, especially if we get a little bit lucky with some of the numbers and the economy,' Trump said at a Monday event at the White House that touted the accounts. The 'Big, Beautiful Bill' lays out rules for the Trump accounts. To qualify, a child must be a U.S. citizen, born within the next four years to at least one parent with a Social Security number. The money could be withdrawn starting at age 18. Here's what you need to know about the proposed federal program: Under the current bill text, the program would be available to families of all income levels, with babies born after Dec. 31, 2024, and before Jan. 1, 2029. A one-time $1,000 contribution would be provided by the Treasury Department and deposited into a diversified U.S. stock index fund or its equivalent. Families, guardians and private entities will be able to contribute no more than $5,000 per year to the account. An estimated 7 percent return on the $1,000 would compound to roughly $3,570 over 18 years, according to the Associated Press. The legislation does not provide a limit on the amount of money a nonprofit or company can donate to a child's investment account within the $5,000 annual contribution limit. Several businesses, including Uber, Dell, Goldman Sachs and Altimeter have committed to setting aside billions to invest in the accounts of company employees who become new parents. 'It's not just an account; it's a launchpad. It puts the unstoppable engine of compounding to work for our kids, building a future for them from day one,' Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said about the initiative during a White House roundtable. Children enrolled in the investment program are eligible to withdraw half of the cash value amount between their 18th and 25th birthdays, according to CNN. Families and beneficiaries would pay a penalty for early withdrawal as there is no allowance for emergency use of the funds, the outlet reported. Funds withdrawn for anything other than 'qualified expenses,' including paying for higher education, buying a residence or starting a business, will be taxed. Researchers have said the investment accounts could widen America's wealth gap. 'Under the current proposal, every child starts with the same amount, and families can contribute up to $5,000 annually,' the Urban Institute, a think-tank focused on social policy, wrote in a late May report. 'But relatively few households hold substantial liquid wealth in the United States, meaning higher-income households are far more likely than their lower-income counterparts to have the means to contribute additional funds,' it continued. The study noted that Trump accounts are likely to only benefit those who have already maxed out existing tax-preferred savings opportunities, like 529 accounts. Instead, they suggested low income families with job insecurity are more likely to gravitate towards investing in traditional accounts that offer flexible guidelines. Trump's 'One Big, Beautiful Bill' still needs approval from the upper chamber. Senators considering potential changes or cuts to the legislation, hoping to pass the bill before July 4.

Why Elon Musk turned against Trump's $5 trillion mega tax and spending bill
Why Elon Musk turned against Trump's $5 trillion mega tax and spending bill

CNBC

time14 minutes ago

  • CNBC

Why Elon Musk turned against Trump's $5 trillion mega tax and spending bill

President Donald Trump is pushing to pass a sweeping tax and spending bill by July 4, but the proposal is already sparking fierce internal GOP debate. The bill combines 2017 tax cut extensions with new Trump-era proposals, including deductions on American-made auto loans and changes to child tax credits. But not everyone is on board. Elon Musk has launched a high-profile feud with Trump over the bill, and key Republican senators are warning that the bill could add trillions to the national debt.

Dem Golden Boy Abrego Garcia Returns
Dem Golden Boy Abrego Garcia Returns

Fox News

time14 minutes ago

  • Fox News

Dem Golden Boy Abrego Garcia Returns

Well the Democrats got their wish, their martyr Kilmar Abrego Garcia returned to the US to face charges. I'm Tomi Lahren, more next. The Democrats' golden boy Kilmar Abrego Garcia was brought back to the US from his home country of El Salvador to face charges including human trafficking here in Tennessee. In an interview with NBC News, President Trump said it wasn't his decision to bring Abrego Garcia back to the US but that the DOJ decided to do it that way and that's fine. I can't help but think what a giant waste of US taxpayers dollars it was to fly him all the way back here, go through the rigamarole of criminal charges, pay for his room and board, all to send him right back to his home country of El Salvador. But THIS is what the Democrats want. They'll do anything to keep their illegal aliens in your community and they'll waste your hard earned money to do it and stretch out the process as long as possible. This is the hill they're willing to die on and this is the man they're willing to defend till the end. A man who was here illegally for years, has credible allegations of gang affiliation, protective orders from his wife, and actual footage of his alleged human trafficking. Ladies and gentlemen, the Democrat Party is for they/them and Abrego Garcia, not for you! I'm Tomi Lahren and you watch my show 'Tomi Lahren is Fearless' at Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store