ORMOND BEACH, Florida — Two months after President Donald Trump took office, a pair of special elections Tuesday in Florida have energized Democrats recovering from 2024 defeats and put Republicans on guard of their House majority in traditionally red seats.

National Republicans are most concerned about a seat in Florida’s 6th Congressional District between Republican state Sen. Randy Fine and Orlando teacher Josh Weil, a Democrat, after early voting totals and polling showed a closer-than-expected contest. The seat to replace Michael Waltz, who resigned to serve as Trump’s national security adviser in January was far from competitive last fall when Waltz won decisively by a 33-point margin.

Recommended Stories

The importance of Florida’s special election primaries

Randy Fine resets GOP expectations in tight Florida special election

Democrats spending large amounts in long-shot Florida races