Bernie Sanders Endorses Josh Weil for Florida’s 6th Congressional District in a Race

Progressive Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) gave his strong endorsement to Democrat Josh Weil on Friday for the special election in Florida’s 6th Congressional District, marking one of the most significant endorsements of Weil’s campaign to date.

Sanders, known for his focus on working-class issues and economic fairness, spoke highly of Weil’s background and positions, highlighting the stark contrast between the Democrat and his Republican opponent, State Senator Randy Fine.

Weil, a middle school teacher and a father of two, has been gaining significant momentum in a district that would typically be seen as a stronghold for Republicans. Sanders’ endorsement is likely to lend even more national attention to the race, which has become increasingly competitive in recent weeks due to Weil’s fundraising success and ability to close the polling gap with Fine.

In his endorsement statement, Sanders emphasized Weil’s working-class roots and his deep understanding of the challenges faced by everyday Americans. “Josh Weil is a working-class father of two and a middle school teacher who knows what it’s like to live paycheck to paycheck,” Sanders said.

He pointed out that unlike his opponent, Weil is not receiving the backing of billionaire-funded Super PACs, which have become an increasingly powerful force in modern American politics.

Sanders highlighted that Weil’s experience as a teacher and his personal background make him uniquely qualified to represent the interests of the people in Florida’s 6th District. “Josh would be a voice in Congress who understands why we must protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid and not give massive tax breaks to billionaires,” Sanders said, further emphasizing that Weil would work to protect programs that benefit the working class, rather than serve the interests of the ultra-wealthy.

Weil’s views on social issues, veterans’ rights, and education were also praised by Sanders. “He understands that we have to keep our promise to veterans, wants to expand the trade union movement, and believes that all kids deserve a quality education,” Sanders added.

For many in Florida’s 6th District, these issues are of critical importance, and Sanders believes that Weil’s strong commitment to these causes will resonate with voters.

Josh Weil’s campaign has garnered significant attention in recent months, primarily due to his impressive fundraising efforts and his ability to close the polling gap with his Republican opponent, State Senator Randy Fine. While the district has traditionally leaned heavily Republican, the increasing focus on the race, particularly due to Weil’s fundraising prowess, has made it a key battleground in this election cycle.

As of the latest reports, Weil has raised nearly $10 million for his campaign, a staggering sum in a special election, while Fine, who has the backing of many Republican establishment figures, has raised just under $1 million. This dramatic difference in fundraising totals has turned heads, as it indicates that Weil is gaining substantial support from both within and outside the district.

Internal polling conducted by the Republican firm Fabrizio Ward has shown that Weil leads Fine by 3 percentage points in the district, signaling a major shift in what was once considered a safe Republican seat. Meanwhile, a separate survey conducted by St. Pete Polls earlier this week showed Fine leading Weil by 4 points, though this lead is within the margin of error of the poll, which stands at 4.9 points.

This indicates that the race is extremely tight and could go either way in the coming weeks.

Florida’s 6th District has long been a Republican stronghold. The district was previously held by Mike Waltz, a former national security adviser, who won re-election by more than 30 points in both 2020 and 2022. Given this history, many observers had initially written off the possibility of a Democratic victory in the district.

However, with Weil’s strong showing in fundraising and the narrowing of the polling gap, the race has garnered national attention, especially as it appears to be becoming more competitive.

Democrats and Republicans alike have focused their resources on this race, with both parties seeing its outcome as a key indicator of broader national trends. The fight for Florida’s 6th District represents more than just a local contest—it has become a proxy battle between two very different visions for the country’s future.

On one hand, you have Josh Weil, a progressive Democrat focused on issues of economic fairness, social justice, and the protection of social programs like Social Security and Medicare. On the other, you have Randy Fine, a conservative Republican supported by large donors, including billionaire-funded PACs, and aligned with the agenda of the Trump wing of the Republican Party.

The national media has focused on this race as one of the most important special elections of the year, particularly due to the shift in polling numbers and the major fundraising advantage that Weil has managed to build.

While Florida’s 6th District remains heavily conservative, the increasing competitiveness of the race suggests that the political landscape in Florida and across the nation could be changing, particularly in the wake of the national division seen in the aftermath of the Trump administration.

The Republican response to Weil’s growing momentum has been swift and strong. Trump, who has been a major supporter of conservative candidates in recent years, has personally participated in a series of tele-town halls with Randy Fine, where he urged voters to support the Republican candidate in order to keep the district firmly in GOP hands.

Trump’s endorsement of Fine has added fuel to the political fire, further intensifying the stakes of the race.

Elon Musk’s America PAC, a political action committee backed by the billionaire tech mogul, has also entered the fray, contributing significant resources to the district in support of Fine’s campaign. These moves underscore the growing influence of billionaires and corporate interests in the political landscape, as both Musk and Trump seek to solidify their influence over key districts that will shape the future of U.S. politics.

The involvement of such high-profile figures in the race has made it clear that Florida’s 6th District is more than just a local contest—it is part of the broader national battle for political power. As the election approaches, the district’s outcome could signal a shift in the balance of power in Congress, particularly in the context of the 2024 general election.

For voters in Florida’s 6th District, the special election represents a crucial opportunity to determine the direction of their representation in Congress. Weil’s campaign has focused heavily on economic fairness, healthcare access, and support for working families.

He has promised to fight for the expansion of social programs like Medicare and Medicaid, which are essential to the well-being of many residents in the district.

Weil’s commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Americans stands in stark contrast to Fine’s conservative agenda, which has focused on limiting government spending, reducing taxes, and deregulating industries. For many in the district, the race is not just about the immediate future—it is about the values that will guide their representation in Congress for years to come.

As Democrats continue to push for more progressive policies and Republicans focus on reducing the size of government and cutting taxes, Florida’s 6th District has become a microcosm of the larger ideological battle that is unfolding in American politics.

In a final push to help Weil secure the seat, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin will visit Florida’s 6th District this weekend to campaign alongside the Democratic candidate. Martin’s visit underscores the national significance of the race, as Democratic leaders see this special election as a crucial opportunity to expand their influence in a state that has been a stronghold for Republicans in recent years.

The stakes for both parties could not be higher. As the election approaches, all eyes will be on Florida’s 6th District to see if the Democratic momentum is strong enough to overcome the district’s conservative leanings.

The outcome could serve as a bellwether for future elections in Florida and beyond.