DNC invests in April 1st Florida special elections to replace Reps. Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz

The Democratic National Committee is coming for the Sunshine State.

The severe and swift swing to crimson has not scared off DNC officials who are hoping for an upset in upcoming Florida special elections.

The DNC announced investments in two House races that will replace former Republican Reps. Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz, who is now serving as national security advisor.

“I ran for DNC Chair on a platform to compete in elections everywhere – in all 57 states and territories and across all 3,244 counties,” DNC Chair Ken Martin said in a statement.

“This investment into the Florida congressional special elections is exactly the type of work we must do to build power on the ground and make clear to voters that there are no off years when the stakes for the American people are so high,” he continued.

The amount of the investment was not disclosed, but the DNC says it will allow the Florida Democrat Party to bring in “additional full-time organizing capacity to mobilize voters and volunteers on the ground” in the state’s first and sixth congressional districts, according to The Hill.

Both districts lean decidedly Republican with Gaetz carrying 66 percent of the vote in the first district when he won. Democrat Gay Valimont is seeking to beat Republican Jimmy Patronis for Gaetz’s former seat.

Democrat Josh Weil is running against Republican state Sen. Randy Fine for Walz’s former seat in Florida’s sixth district. Waltz won reelection in November with more than 66 of the vote, according to the Hill.

Both Republican candidates have been endorsed by President Trump who decidedly won the state by 13 points.

Despite heavy Republican leanings, both Dem special election candidates have had successful fundraising hauls with Valimont reporting $6.7m raised and Weil touting a campaign haul of $10 million.

Democrats have had wins in recent special elections including Virginia and Minnesota despite abysmal approval ratings, the Hill noted. The Florida special elections are slated for April 1st.

Republicans are banking the joke will be on Dems.

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