Republicans won two House seats in special elections this week, adding to their tight majority in the chamber.
Florida state senator Randy Fine defeated Democrat Josh Weil in Florida’s 6th Congressional District, replacing President Trump’s national security advisor Mike Waltz. The 6th District includes areas around Daytona Beach, Florida.
Meanwhile, Florida’s former chief financial officer Jimmy Patronis defeated Democrat Gay Valimont in Florida’s 1st Congressional District, replacing former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who resigned from the House in November 2024. The 1st District includes areas around Tallahassee, Florida.
The wins give Republicans one additional vote in the House, with 220 Republicans to 213 Democrats. Two House Democrats died in March 2025. Republicans now have a three-seat majority.
New York Republican Elise Stefanik was initially chosen to be President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, but the nomination was pulled due to the tight margins in the House.
