Florida’s 6th Congressional District seat was left open by Mike Waltz, who held the seat from 2019 through 2024. He was re-elected for his seat in November 2024, but left it vacant when Trump selected him to be the 29th National Security Adviser in January. Before Waltz, now-second-term Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held this seat.

Though the race occurred in a solidly Republican district, the contest drew national attention as one of the first post-2024 election contests and as a possible gauge of Democratic enthusiasm.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has been projected the winner in the special election to replace embattled former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who stepped down for an unsuccessful run to be attorney general,

Republican candidates are projected to win both special elections for U.S. House seats in Florida, though by smaller margins than expected in two GOP-dominated districts. State Sen. Randy Fine is projected by The Associated Press to win in Florida’s 6th Congressional District while the AP projects Jimmy Patronis will win in the 1st District.

Republicans are expected to win the two red districts, but political watchers will be eyeing turnout and margins as indicators of voter sentiment about Trump’s second term and the GOP’s future electoral prospects.

Valimont raised almost $6.5 million compared to Patronis' $2.1 million, according to Federal Elections Commission filings.

Here’s a quick explanation of why Florida is having special elections this week, who the candidates are in each race and how, where and when to vote. Why are there special elections in Florida?

NBC News projects victory for the GOP in the seats formerly held by Michael Waltz, who resigned to join the Trump administration, and Matt Gaetz.