Republicans Claim Two Wins in Florida Special Elections
Washington On Tuesday, the Republican Party’s narrow lead in the House expanded slightly following victories for GOP contenders in two special elections held in Florida’s congressional districts. Republican state Sen. Randy Fine defeated Democrat Josh Weil for the 6th District seat formerly held by Mike Waltz, who left to become President Trump's national security adviser. Waltz had won the seat by more than 30 points in November, but Fine's margin was less, around 14 points ahead of Weil, with 99% of votes counted Tuesday night. In the 1st District, Republican Jimmy Patronis, who serves as the state's chief financial officer, won against Democrat Gay Valimont, an advocate for gun control, in the race for the position left vacant by Matt Gaetz . The victories boost the Republicans' tally in the House to 220 seats versus the Democrats' 213. Two seats previously held by deceased Democratic representatives remain unfilled. Even though Republ...