Several candidates qualify for special election to fill vacated seat in Congress

Rep. Randy Fine, R-Melbourne Beach, in Tallahassee, Fla. (Photo/Florida House of Representatives)

A roster of candidates from several parties has been solidified for the special election to fill the District 6 U.S. House of Representatives seat that will soon be left vacant by Michael Waltz.

Waltz, who recently won reelection to the congressional seat, has been chosen by President-Elect Donald Trump to serve as his National Security Adviser.

Former Marion County School Board Member Donald Browning withdrew his name for the race ahead of qualifying, endorsing State Sen. Randy Fine for the position. He said he will continue to advocate for the issues he cares about in Marion County by maintaining open communication with whomever is elected to represent District 6.

One other potential candidate from Marion County, Republican Joshua Vasquez, did not qualify to become a candidate in the special election.

The Republican and Democratic primary elections will both take place on Jan. 28, 2025. Florida is a closed primary state, so only voters who are registered under either party will be able to vote for a candidate of their party.

The general special election will take place on April 1, 2025. Due to the voter registration demographics of District 6, it is possible that the race will be decided in the Republican primary election. About 46% of the electorate is registered to the Republican Party and only 27% of voters are Democrats.

U.S. House District 6 encompasses parts of Volusia, Lake, Flagler, Marion, Putnam and St. Johns counties.

For Marion County alone, the primary and general special elections will cost about $472,000. The county will request reimbursement for the funds from the state, according to Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox.

Republican Qualifiers:

Fine is a state senator for District 19, which consists of parts of Brevard County. He was elected to the senate in November. Previously, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2016until 2024.

“(Trump) needs fighters who will make America wealthy again, make America safe again and someone who will stand up for Israel. That is why I’m announcing my candidacy for FL 6th Congressional District,” wrote Fine in a post announcing his candidacy on Nov. 26.

Trump endorsed Fine in a post on Nov. 23.

“A Harvard-educated, successful businessman and highly respected state legislator, Randy has been an incredible voice for MAGA and the great people of Florida,” Trump wrote. “Run, Randy, Run!”

Aaron Baker is a first-time political candidate from Sorrento. Baker is the managing partner for Sunshine State Construction and Design and has volunteered for political campaigns and for early voting efforts in Pennsylvania.

“Over the past four years I have seen how an administration without connections to the community can devastate the citizens it was sworn to serve,” Baker said. “I believe with all ofmy heart and soul; President Trump will greatly improve the day-to-day life of every American he has been sworn to serve.  “

Ehsan Joarder from Brooksville is another newcomer. Joarder is an entrepreneur and sponsor of the Boca Police Athletic League, where he is a boxer.

“My vision for Florida’s 6th District includes a focus on community-driven solutions, innovative projects that create jobs, and opportunities that uplift all residents,” Joarder wrote.

Democratic Qualifiers:

Purvi Bangdiwala is a first-time candidate from Daytona Beach. Bangdiwala is a pharmacy technician and mother of three.

“As an immigrant who became a U.S. citizen, I am deeply grateful to this country for the security and freedom it has given me,” wrote Bangdiwala. “Now, I am determined to give back by working to address the issues that matter most to families like mine: affordable healthcare, economic opportunities, and a system that uplifts all Americans.”

George “Ges” Selmont, from Elkton, previously ran for Congress in 2018 against Rep. John Rutherford, in the former District 4.

Selmont earned a master’s degree in American studies from Yale University, a law degree from Northeastern University, a master’s degree in liberal arts from Harvard University’s extension studies, and a bachelor’s degree in film from Bard College.

Josh Weil, of Orlando, previously ran for U.S. Senate in 2022. Weil is a public school teacher and father of two.

“I was moved to join the race by my children and students, who deserve to grow into a society where we care about the facts, the planet, and each other,” Weil wrote.

Other Qualifiers:

Andrew Parrott, of Ocala, is running as a Libertarian. Parrott works as an entrepreneur.

Chuck Sheridan, from Merritt Island, is running as a write-in candidate. Sheridan also ran for election to the Florida State Senate in District 19 and lost in the Republican primary on Aug. 20.

Randall Terry, who filed under an address in Arlington, Tennesee, is running under non-partisan affiliation. Terry recently ran for President of the United States, as the nominee for the Constitution Party. He lost in the general election on Nov. 5

Terry is the founder of the anti-abortion organization Operation Rescue.