By Adrianna Astudillo, Contributing Writer
The beginning of the year brought many changes, challenges, and great developments for our country. With the inauguration of the 47th president, Donald Trump, came a wave of shifts in government positions. As President Trump filled his cabinet, several officials left their previous roles—creating vacancies and changing who represents Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives.
On April 1, 2025, two congressional districts in Florida held special elections to fill seats vacated by officials appointed to President Donald Trump’s administration. These elections directly impacted residents of the 1st and 6th congressional districts.
Although both districts are far from Saint Leo University, the shift in Florida’s representation could have broader implications that may affect the Saint Leo community.
In Florida’s 6th District—which includes areas such as St. Augustine, Daytona Beach and parts of Ocala—Republican state Sen. Randy Fine defeated Democratic challenger Josh Weil, a progressive schoolteacher, by more than 30 percentage points.
While still decisive, Fine’s margin was narrower than expected, signaling a shift in voter sentiment from previous elections.
In the far western part of Florida’s Panhandle—including areas like Destin and Santa Rosa—the 1st District also held a special election.
The seat was left vacant by former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, who had been tapped to serve as national security adviser when President Trump took office on Jan. 20, 2025. Gaetz later withdrew from consideration following allegations of sexual misconduct, which he has denied.
Democrat Gay Valimont ran for the seat in the 1st District and outraised and outspent her opponent, but former Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis ultimately claimed victory. Kara Pinder, a former District 1 resident and Saint Leo alum, said, “I’ve seen signs all around the area promoting Valimont for the elections!”
The closely watched election produced results early on April 2, revealing that Republicans now hold a 220-213 margin in the House of Representatives.
Special elections typically see lower voter turnout due to limited media coverage and public awareness. Dr. Austin Trantham, a political science professor at Saint Leo University, explains,”Voter turnout for special elections is significantly lower than general elections. This is due to a lesser amount of media coverage, limited public awareness, and the absence of other races on the ballot. Campaigns work diligently to counteract the increased levels of voter fatigue and disengagement often seen in special elections.”
In these recent races, despite significant financial support for Democratic candidates, Republicans held their seats, though with narrower margins, albeit with narrower margins.
The outcome highlights the power of grassroots mobilization and the lasting impact of endorsements. President Trump’s support was key in energizing the Republican base, even as Democrats outspent their opponents.
Although Saint Leo University is not located in these districts, the outcomes of these elections have broader implications, particularly in shaping policy. Elected representatives Patronis and Fine will have the power to contribute and shape federal policies on education funding, student loans, and other issues that directly affect college students.
The recent Florida special elections serve as a reminder of the changing political landscape beyond our campus. Dr. Austin Trantham notes, “Special elections serve a significant purpose in filling unexpected vacancies in legislative bodies. The outcomes of these elections can shift the balance of power, particularly when the chamber is already closely divided between the two major parties.”
As students and members of the Saint Leo community, staying informed and engaged in political developments is key to navigating and influencing the future.
