Jimmy Patronis, a candidate endorsed by Donald Trump, and Randy Fine were the winners of their Republican primaries to replace former Florida Reps. Matt Gaetz (left) and Mike Waltz (right), winning in districts that are reliably conservative.

The Republicans will likely hold these seats after the April 1 general election, which will boost their slim majority in the U.S. House to pursue Trump’s agenda.

Patronis defeated Joel Rudman in the 1st district election to replace Gaetz. Rudman is a doctor that gained prominence as a politician for his opposition to mask mandates when the COVID-19 epidemic was raging. Patronis will face Gay Valimont in the general election. Valimont was the only Democrat candidate to run unopposed.

Patronis grew up Panama City and has been active in Florida politics since the 1960s. He previously served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives. His family has a well-known seafood restaurant in the area.

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Gaetz’s seat in the 1st district became vacant when he announced that he would not be returning to Congress after he withdrew from consideration as Trump’s Attorney General amid allegations of sexual abuse.

Fine defeated two other Republicans to win Waltz’s seat in the 6th Congressional District. The district includes Daytona Beach, and other communities to the south of Jacksonville.

Fine is well-known for his support of Israel, and his efforts at restricting LGBTQ+ rights. Fine was a close ally to Gov. Ron DeSantis, before breaking off with him because Fine claimed the governor was not doing enough to fight antisemitism.

Fine will face Josh Weil in the general election, a Democrat and public school teacher who hails from Orlando. The 6th District seat became vacant after Trump appointed Waltz as his national security advisor.

Fine and Patronis both faced criticism because they did not live in the districts that they wanted to represent.

Aubrey Jewett, political scientist at the University of Central Florida, said that there is a possibility for Democrats to win in low-turnout scenarios. He cited other recent special election results.

Jewett stated that “Democrats could take Waltz’s seat but it would require a miracle.” “I believe that for the Gaetz’s seat, it would take more than a miracle.” It would take a large miracle to win that seat.