Governor Ron DeSantis delivers a scathing assessment of newly elected GOP Congressman Randy Fine’s narrow victory in Florida’s 6th District, labeling him a “squish” who alienates voters. DeSantis attributes Fine’s underwhelming 14-point win in the traditionally deep-red district to personal unpopularity rather than any weakness in the Trump agenda, revealing deep fractures within Florida’s Republican leadership that could impact party unity heading into the crucial 2024 elections.
DeSantis Unloads on Trump-Backed Congressman
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis publicly criticized newly elected Republican Congressman Randy Fine following Tuesday’s special election, claiming voters “took one for the team” by reluctantly supporting the Trump-endorsed candidate. The Governor pointed to Fine’s historically narrow 14-point victory margin in a traditionally Republican stronghold as evidence of his unpopularity rather than any weakness in conservative messaging.
Wow @GovRonDeSantis admits he offered @FloridaAtlantic Presidency to @VoteRandyFine bc legislators begged for him to disappear. 😂
He also debunks the narrative that Fine was outspent 10x’s. Fine required millions of last minute cash to win in a Red stronghold. pic.twitter.com/vJxTVecb73
— Jennifer Jenkins Brevard (@JenkinsBrevard) April 2, 2025
DeSantis didn’t mince words when addressing media speculation about the race’s implications, insisting that Fine “has unique problems” and “repels people” regardless of his party affiliation. The Governor further revealed previous attempts to remove Fine from state politics by nominating him for a university presidency position, underscoring the long-standing tensions between these two prominent Florida Republicans.
FL06 voters are LIVID that they got stuck with Fine. They took one for the team (and it took a direct plea from Trump and $4 MILLION to get them to do it).
And Fine has spent his morning blocking voters & spitting in their faces (with comments turned off of course).
— Janine Curran (@janinereturns) April 2, 2025
Political Feud Rooted in Trump Loyalty
The bitter animosity between DeSantis and Fine traces back to 2023, when the congressman publicly switched his endorsement from DeSantis to Donald Trump during the presidential primary race. Fine later criticized DeSantis for allegedly failing to adequately address antisemitism following the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, further inflaming their already strained relationship.
DeSantis escalated the conflict by accusing Fine of opposing Second Amendment protections and blocking immigration enforcement proposals during his time in the state legislature. The Governor’s unprecedented public criticism of a fellow Republican immediately following an election victory reflects the deepening divisions within the party as loyalty to Trump increasingly defines Republican political alignments.
Trump Endorsement Secures Victory Despite GOP Infighting
Despite the Governor’s criticisms, Fine secured his congressional seat with Trump’s enthusiastic backing, with the former president congratulating him on the victory. Fine responded to DeSantis’s attacks by emphasizing his focus on working with President Trump to advance the America First agenda, effectively sidestepping the Governor’s criticisms while reinforcing his alignment with Trump’s vision for the Republican party.
Republican operatives close to Fine expressed frustration with DeSantis’s public attacks, suggesting they may have suppressed GOP turnout in what should have been an easy Republican victory. One operative directly accused the Governor of undermining both Trump’s agenda and Trump-backed candidates, highlighting the growing divide between Trump loyalists and establishment Republicans in Florida’s traditionally unified conservative power structure.
Despite the unprecedented opposition from his state’s governor, Fine’s victory demonstrates the continuing strength of Trump’s endorsement within Republican primaries. The 14-point margin, while smaller than typical Republican performances in the district, still represents a decisive win that adds to the narrow Republican majority in the House at a critical time for advancing conservative priorities.
Sources:
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5228181-florida-gov-ron-desantis-critics-randy-fine/
