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Two Republican candidates, bolstered by over $1.5 million in media spending from the cryptocurrency-backed Defend American Jobs PAC, are making their final appeals to voters ahead of Florida’s special elections on April 1. Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine are vying for seats in Florida’s 1st and 6th congressional districts, respectively, against Democrats Gay Valimont and Josh Weil.
Despite the districts’ Republican leanings, Valimont and Weil have significantly outpaced their opponents in fundraising, with reports indicating they raised approximately $6.5 million and $10 million, respectively, compared to Patronis’ and Fine’s $1 million each. These figures do not account for additional support from PACs like Defend American Jobs or Elon Musk’s America PAC, which has also contributed to the races.
The outcome of these elections could impact the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. Currently, there are four vacant seats due to recent resignations and deaths. Should Democrats secure both Florida seats, the Republican majority would narrow to 217-218, potentially influencing legislative proceedings.
These races have garnered national attention, with figures like former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk actively participating. Trump is set to join tele-town halls supporting Patronis and Fine, while Musk’s America PAC has invested significantly in both campaigns. citeturn0news12turn0news13
The involvement of crypto-backed PACs underscores the growing influence of the cryptocurrency industry in U.S. politics, as stakeholders seek to support candidates aligned with their interests.
