On Wednesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis intensified his criticisms of newly elected representative Randy Fine, attributing the latter's special election win to what he described as Fine's “unique problems.” During a press conference held in Ocala, Florida, the day following the election, DeSantis expressed his belief that Fine's victory should have been secured by a larger margin. He noted that the endorsement from former President Donald Trump played a crucial role in Fine's campaign, suggesting that voters were reluctant to support Fine without Trump's involvement.
Governor DeSantis articulated that many voters did not genuinely support Fine but felt compelled to vote for him due to Trump's endorsement. “These are voters who didn’t like Randy Fine,” DeSantis remarked, adding that voters essentially made a sacrifice for the president, saying, “We’re going to take one for the team.” This sentiment reflects the complex dynamics within Florida's political landscape, especially in light of Trump's significant influence on GOP voter mobilization.
As the campaign unfolded, national Republicans expressed concerns regarding the race between Fine and his progressive opponent Josh Weil, who managed to raise nearly $14 million and showed strong polling numbers in the final weeks. Trump's intervention, including a telephone town hall encouraging GOP turnout, was crucial. Ultimately, Fine won the election by a margin of 14 points, a figure comparable to the margins achieved by DeSantis and former Rep. Mike Waltz in their initial elections.
While Fine's victory is notable, it was still perceived as underwhelming by DeSantis and others within the party. The governor pointed out that in the 2022 and 2024 elections, both he and Trump enjoyed over 30-point victories in the same district, highlighting a growing trend of Republican strength in Florida. In contrast, Fine's performance raises questions about the effectiveness of his campaign and the support from the party establishment.
DeSantis refrained from criticizing fellow Republican Jimmy Patronis, who also secured a similar margin in a concurrent special election, stating that Patronis did not require external assistance during his campaign's final days. This distinction suggests a strategic divide within the party, as DeSantis' comments on Fox News further emphasized his dissatisfaction with Fine's campaign efforts.
In response to DeSantis' remarks, Randy Fine took to social media platform X, sharing a video of the governor’s criticisms alongside a statement that read, “A dying star burns hottest before it fades into oblivion.” Fine reiterated his commitment to collaborating with Trump to oppose Democratic initiatives, distancing himself from any potential discord with the governor. Allies of Fine have expressed discontent regarding DeSantis' approach, arguing that the governor's criticisms undermine his own relationships within the party.
The relationship between DeSantis and Fine has deteriorated significantly since 2023, particularly after Fine shifted his endorsement from the governor to Trump. Fine has publicly criticized DeSantis for his perceived inaction against antisemitism in Florida following the Israel-Hamas conflict, further complicating their dynamic. DeSantis also referenced their past tensions during his press conference, revealing that he had considered Fine for a leadership position at Florida Atlantic University but faced pushback from the board.
As the political landscape in Florida continues to evolve, the fallout from this special election raises important questions about party unity and candidate support. Governor DeSantis’ sharp criticisms of Randy Fine may have lasting effects on their relationship and the broader Republican strategy moving forward. With the 2024 presidential election on the horizon, how these dynamics unfold will be crucial for the GOP in Florida.
