Randy Fine picks up Trump endorsement after breaking with DeSantis
Brevard County State Rep. Randy Fine on Thursday picked up a coveted endorsement from former President Donald Trump in his run for State Senate after becoming the first high-profile GOP state legislator to publicly turn on Gov. Ron DeSantis last fall.
Fine, previously among the governor's strongest allies in the Florida House, made national headlines in October when he broke with DeSantis and changed his endorsement to the embattled former president, calling out what he said was DeSantis' inaction in the face of rising antisemitism across the state.
The move was widely seen as the first major crack in the governor's iron-clad support from the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature in his ultimately doomed run for president.
More: Randy Fine breaks with DeSantis over handling of Jewish concerns, throws support behind Trump
Trump returned the favor late Thursday, calling Fine a "MAGA Warrior" and supporting his State Senate run in a post on the Trump-owned Truth Social website.
"Florida State Rep. Randy Fine is a MAGA Warrior who will stand up to anyone to advance the America First agenda!" Trump wrote. "One of our only elected Jewish Republicans, he stands with me for an America that brings Peace through Strength, and an Economy that works for our Nation's families. I need him in the Florida Senate, and he has my Complete and Total Endorsement!"
Fine said in a statement Friday that the endorsement was an "honor beyond measure."
"Under President Trump, this country had extraordinary successes — a secure border, low inflation, and a safer world, with Islamic terror at bay," Fine said in the statement. "Under Joe Biden, our country is literally falling apart, and I will be proud to fight alongside President Trump to Make America Great Again... Again."
Fine is barred from running for State House again due to term limits. Instead, he is seeking the Florida Senate District 19 seat currently held by State Sen. Debbie Mayfield, who also cannot seek reelection due to term limits.
More: Video showing Randy Fine hiding behind desk is latest in bizarre feud with Jennifer Jenkins
The endorsement will likely be a boost for Fine, as Trump stands poised to once again secure the party's nomination for president. Trump carried Brevard County in the 2016 and 2020 elections.
Fine is facing primary challenges from retired Merritt Island contractor Charles "Chuck" Sheridan and former Port Canaveral Commissioner Robyn Hattaway. The winner will have to face Democrat Vance Ahrens in the November general election.
Fine has so far raised more than $1.8 million through his campaign and his Friends of Randy Fine political action committee.
Eric Rogers is a watchdog reporter for FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Rogers at 321-242-3717 or [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Brevard Rep. Fine scores Trump endorsement after turning on DeSantis
