Gay Valimont lost the special election for Florida's 1st Congressional District to the Trump-endorsed Jimmy Patronis.

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.

Republicans Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine won special elections Tuesday in two Florida congressional districts, bolstered by President Donald Trump’s endorsement to fill vacant seats in reliably Republican strongholds.

The outcome of Florida's 1st District special election gives House Republicans some breathing room in the narrowly divided chamber.

Republican James Patronis has won the special election for Florida’s 1st District to take the seat of former Rep. Matt Gaetz, NBC News projects.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Wednesday swore in newly elected Florida Reps. Jimmy Patronis (R) and Randy Fine (R). The two won special elections Tuesday, and their quick entry to the House gives Johnson some additional room to navigate the GOP’s razor-thin margin.