Two Crypto-Friendly Republicans Win Florida Special Elections
Crypto political action committee (PAC) Fairshake-backed Republicans have secured US House seats after winning special congressional elections in Florida.
Two pro-crypto candidates Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine have secured victories in Florida’s 1st and 6th Congressional Districts. Though these districts have been led by Republicans for three decades, there has been a substantial decrease in their lead recently.
Patronis received 56.9% votes against Democratic rival Gay Valimont, AP News reported. Meanwhile, Fine captured 56.7% of the vote in Florida’s 6th District against Democrat Josh Weil.
The Republican campaigners received a combined $1.5 million from the crypto-backed PAC Fairshake. Further, as reported by CryptoNews, Defend American Jobs has launched a $1.2 million ad campaign in support of Sen. Randy Fine.
Fine will be filling the House seat vacated by Michael Waltz, who became Trump’s national security adviser.
Further, Defend American Jobs spent over $500,000 on Fine’s campaign and $200,000 on Patronis, according to Federal Election Commission filings.
“Reinforcements Are Coming,” Says Fine
Following the victory, Sen. Fine posted on X, thanking President Trump for his endorsement and call for voters. He further said that “reinforcements are coming,” a potential bid to pursue pending crypto legislation.
Crypto legislation on stablecoins is still pending in Congress. With the pro-crypto win in the state, Florida can expect to see a possible regulatory environment.
In January, Fine wrote on X that Floridians want “crypto innovation”.
“But that doesn’t mean we don’t need clear rules of the road. In Congress, I’ll work to protect consumers, enshrine freedom, and keep innovation jobs in America.”
Florida Pushes for Bitcoin Reserve
Florida recently introduced legislative proposal to incorporate Bitcoin into their state financial strategies.
Senator Joe Gruters introduced SB 550 bill that would allow the state to allocate up to 10% of state-managed reserves into Bitcoin and other cryptos.
The bill has set clear guidelines on investment limits, regulatory compliance and Bitcoin custody, thus positioning crypto as a part of Florida’s financial strategy.