Florida Republicans anxious about tight special election race

Republicans in Florida are worried about a special election in a traditionally safe district. The contest, taking place on April 1, could serve as an important indicator of voter sentiment towards former President Trump ahead of the midterm elections in 2026. Democratic candidate Josh Weil has raised over $10 million, significantly outpacing Republican candidate Randy Fine, who has less than $1 million. Early voting data shows Democrats slightly leading, raising alarms among GOP officials in a district heavily favoring Republicans. Public opinion polls suggest the race is close, with Fine at 48% and Weil at 44%. Some Republicans doubt the reliability of these polls but worry that a closer race could reflect negatively on Trump's influence. The stakes are high, as the outcome may signal GOP vulnerabilities in upcoming elections. Fine has a troubled relationship with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who doubts Fine's performance. Meanwhile, long-time Trump supporters in the state expect Fine to win, but they fear losing ground could embolden Democrats and signal a shift in voter attitudes.