Florida Governor Ron DeSantis publicly criticized newly elected GOP Congressman Randy Fine for his unexpectedly narrow victory, creating a rift that reveals deeper tensions within Florida’s Republican party.
Key Takeaways
- Governor DeSantis labeled Congressman Randy Fine a “squish” and criticized his narrow 14-point victory in a traditionally solid Republican district
- The conflict stems from Fine switching his endorsement from DeSantis to Trump during the 2023 presidential primary race
- DeSantis claimed voters only reluctantly supported Fine because of Trump’s endorsement, not because of Fine’s own appeal
- Fine dismissed the criticism, emphasizing his focus on working with President Trump to advance the Republican agenda
- The public feud highlights growing ideological divisions within Florida’s Republican party
DeSantis Attacks Fine’s Narrow Victory Margin
In a surprisingly direct public critique, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis lashed out at newly elected Republican Congressman Randy Fine following his special election victory. Despite Fine winning by 14 percentage points in Florida’s 6th Congressional District, DeSantis characterized the victory as underwhelming for a traditionally Republican stronghold. The governor didn’t mince words when explaining why Fine’s margin wasn’t larger, suggesting the congressman has “unique problems” and “repels people,” according to reports from Fox News.
DeSantis further claimed that Republican voters only supported Fine reluctantly because of former President Donald Trump’s endorsement. “People held their nose and voted for him because Trump endorsed him,” DeSantis stated, adding that Fine’s performance represented the smallest margin for a Republican in that district since 2018. The governor also pushed back against media narratives suggesting the close race reflected negatively on Trump’s agenda, insisting instead that the blame lay solely with Fine’s personal unpopularity.
A History of Political Tension
The contentious relationship between DeSantis and Fine has a documented history. According to Fox News reporting, DeSantis revealed he had previously attempted to remove Fine from the state legislature by nominating him for a university presidency position, which was ultimately rejected. This disclosure offers insight into the deteriorating relationship between the two Republican figures that predates the current conflict.
The tension escalated significantly in November 2023 when Fine publicly withdrew his support for DeSantis’s presidential campaign and endorsed Trump instead. Fine later criticized DeSantis for allegedly not adequately addressing antisemitism following the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. DeSantis countered by accusing Fine of opposing Second Amendment rights and obstructing immigration enforcement proposals during his time in the Florida legislature.
Impact on Republican Unity
The public nature of this feud has raised concerns about Republican unity in Florida. According to Fox News, allies of Fine have expressed dissatisfaction with DeSantis’s public criticisms, suggesting they could have suppressed Republican turnout in what should have been an easy victory. One Republican operative went so far as to accuse DeSantis of undermining Trump’s agenda and candidates, deepening the perceived division within the party.
Despite the governor’s criticisms, Fine appears determined to focus on his congressional duties rather than engage in the conflict. Following his victory, Fine emphasized his commitment to working with Trump to advance Republican priorities in Congress. Trump, for his part, had endorsed Fine and congratulated him on his victory, creating an awkward dynamic between the former president, the governor, and the new congressman.
Broader Implications for Florida Republicans
This public disagreement underscores growing ideological divides within Florida’s Republican party. As DeSantis continues to position himself as a conservative standard-bearer with potential national aspirations, conflicts with Trump-aligned figures like Fine highlight the delicate balance Republican leaders must maintain. For Florida voters who have traditionally supported Republican candidates, these internal conflicts present a complex political landscape where personal loyalties and policy positions don’t always align neatly.
The DeSantis administration declined to provide additional comments when contacted by Fox News. As Fine prepares to take his seat in Congress, the lingering tension with Florida’s governor creates an uncertain dynamic for Republican politics in the state, particularly as the party works to maintain its dominant position in what was once considered a crucial swing state.
Sources:
- DeSantis slams GOP winner in Florida special election: ‘He’s a squish’
- DeSantis blasts newly elected Florida GOP congressman, continuing history of attacks: ‘He’s a squish’
