Race to fill Rep. Michael Waltz's congressional seat shapes up in Florida

Steven Lemongello, Orlando Sentinel on Dec 6, 2024

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ORLANDO, Fla. — At least four candidates will be on the ballot on April 1 in what is becoming a crowded race to succeed outgoing U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz in Congress.

The vacancy was created after Trump tapped Waltz, R-St. Augustine Beach, to be his national security advisor.

Waltz won a fourth term last month by about 30 percentage points over his Democratic opponent, making the GOP strong favorites in the seat that stretches from Daytona Beach to Mount Dora.

Republican state Sen. Randy Fine, R-Melbourne, who qualified on Friday, was endorsed for the job by President-elect Donald Trump last month despite living about 75 miles south of Waltz’s district.

Congress members aren’t required by law to live in the district they represent, and Waltz lived just outside District 6 when first elected.

Fine was elected last month to the state Senate in his Brevard County district, after having served eight controversy-filled years in the Florida House.

He became notorious for his social media spats and acerbic comments, including a proposed shutdown of the University of Central Florida.

Qualifying for the special election ends Saturday. As of Friday, three other Republicans besides Fine had filed to run for the seat, Marion County School Board member Donald Browning, Joshua Vasquez of Ocala, and Ehsan Joarder of Hernando County, but none had yet qualified.

If any or all of them do, a GOP primary will be held Jan. 28.

On the Democratic side, St Johns County businessman Ges Selmont had qualified as of Friday. A Democratic primary would also be held on Jan. 28 if Democrat Purvi Bangdiwala of Daytona Beach also qualifies.

Libertarian candidate Andrew Parrott of Ocala has also qualified and would appear on the April 1 ballot along with nonpartisan candidate Randall Terry, a Christian pastor and anti-abortion activist from Tennessee.

Waltz has announced his resignation from Congress as of Jan. 20, when Trump takes office.

With Waltz, former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz and U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., all resigning to take positions in the Trump White House, Republicans could have a congressional majority of as little as two votes over Democrats until the seats are filled.

Gaetz was nominated by Trump as attorney general but has since pulled out of consideration. He said he will not return to Congress.

A special election to succeed Gaetz is also set for April 1, with Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis the biggest name in an even more crowded race.

Sixteen candidates qualified at the Friday deadline, including 10 Republicans, five independents or write-ins and a single Democrat, Gay Valimont.

The GOP primary for that seat will be held on Jan. 28.

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