Florida County Shifts: Democrat Narrows GOP Margin in Trump Stronghold
Despite losing the special election for Florida’s 1st Congressional District to Trump-endorsed Republican Jimmy Patronis, Democrat Gay Valimont significantly narrowed the Republican margin of victory, even flipping Escambia County—a county Trump won by 19 points in 2024. While Patronis won overall by a 17-point margin, Valimont’s strong performance, along with similar results in another Florida special election, suggests a potential shift in the political landscape. Democrats are highlighting these improved results in traditionally Republican strongholds as evidence of growing momentum heading into the 2026 midterms.
John Q. Hosedrinker