In a highly contested special election, Republican State Senator Randy Fine has emerged victorious in the US House of Representatives seat vacated by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who resigned earlier this year.

Fine, a 43-year-old senator from Sarasota, garnered 54% of the vote to Josh Weil’s 44%, according to unofficial results released by the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections. The special election was seen as a key test of Republican strength in Florida’s increasingly competitive congressional landscape.

Weil, a former environmental activist and community organizer, had positioned himself as a progressive candidate who could bring new energy to the district. However, Fine’s extensive experience in state government and his popularity among conservative voters ultimately carried the day.

The 15th Congressional District, which encompasses parts of Hillsborough, Polk, and Pasco counties, has been a key battleground in Florida’s congressional elections in recent years. With its diverse economy and growing population, the district is seen as a bellwether for the state’s shifting political landscape.

Fine’s victory is likely to have implications for the balance of power in Congress, particularly in the Republican Caucus. The special election is also expected to draw attention from national Republicans, who may see Fine as a potential candidate for higher office in the future.

In a statement congratulating Weil on his campaign, Fine emphasized his commitment to representing the values and interests of Floridians: “As your representative in Congress, I promise to work tirelessly to advance our state’s economy, protect our environment, and uphold the values that make America great.”

Weil, meanwhile, has pledged to continue fighting for the causes he believes are essential to the district’s communities. In a statement thanking his supporters, Weil acknowledged the close margin of the election but vowed to stay involved in politics: “This election may not have gone my way, but it reminds us that democracy is strongest when we engage with each other and work towards a common purpose.”

With Fine now set to take office, Republicans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to shape his legislative agenda. As he prepares to assume his new role, one thing is clear: the 15th Congressional District will be watching closely as Fine navigates the complexities of national politics from Washington, D.C.