In a stunning display of political theatrics, Republican State Senator Randy Fine has called for the ‘immediate arrest’ of his Democratic opponent, Josh Weil, in what critics are calling a blatant attempt to suppress voter confidence and undermine democratic norms.
Fine, who is vying against Weil to replace Representative Mike Waltz in Florida’s 6th Congressional District, issued a press release on March 14 accusing the Democratic nominee of “voter intimidation” and labeling him an “Islamic extremist” in a move that has sparked outrage and condemnation across the political spectrum.
The press release, titled RANDY FINE CALLS FOR ARREST OF “JIHAD JOSH” WEIL FOR VOTER INTIMIDATION, is riddled with inflammatory language and unsubstantiated claims.
After a third-party contracted worker was arrested while handing out campaign flyers for the Democrat on a stolen bike, Fine alleged that Weil’s campaign employed a convicted felon to “stalk and intimidate voters.”
The company employed by Weil’s campaign fired the canvasser, Arlecia Darnae Brown, following her arrest by Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies on March 7, but seized on the incident to paint his opponent as a danger to the community, without evidence linking Weil directly to Brown’s actions.
“This individual was hired by and worked for a third-party contractor,” said Wendy Garcia, Weil’s campaign manager. “This is an unacceptable incident, and we support the justice system working to deliver accountability. The individual is no longer authorized to do any work on behalf of our campaign.”
“This is nothing more than a desperate smear campaign,” said a Democratic strategist, who explained: “Randy Fine is trying to distract voters from his own lack of substantive policy proposals by demonizing his opponent. It’s a page straight out of the Trump playbook.”
Fine’s accusations claims Weil has a “long history of violent behavior,” including allegations of assaulting a student and a coworker, and even goes so far as to suggest Weil’s conversion to Islam after September 11, 2001, makes him a threat to national security.
Fine’s rhetoric has been widely criticized as Islamophobic and fear-mongering, with civil rights groups condemning his use of terms like “Jihad Josh” as inflammatory and dangerous.
“This kind of language is not only offensive but also deeply irresponsible,” said a spokesperson for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). “It stokes fear and division at a time when we should be focusing on the issues that matter to voters.”
The religious group’s Florida chapter, CAIR-FL, previously called for lawmakers to censure Fine after he posted a tweet saying, “Gaza must be destroyed.”
Fine, who has a history of anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian statements, said “Gaza must be destroyed” in a tweet Thursday, February 20, 2025.
Fine’s call for Weil’s arrest has also raised concerns about the politicization of law enforcement.
The Florida Office of Election Crimes and Security, a controversial agency established by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022, has been accused of targeting Democratic voters and candidates in the past.
Critics argue that Fine’s demand for Weil’s arrest is an abuse of power designed to tilt the election in his favor.
“This is not about justice; it’s about power,” said a University of Florida political science professor, who said Weil, who raised $9,491,734—or ten times as much as the Republican reported to the FEC, which shows he collected only $987,459. “Randy Fine is trying to use the machinery of the state to intimidate his opponent and sway the election. It’s a dangerous precedent that undermines the very foundation of our democracy.”
The special election, set for April 1, 2025, has become a flashpoint in the ongoing battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives. With Republicans holding a slim majority, the outcome of this race could have significant implications for House Speaker Mike Johnson’s ability to advance his agenda.
Fine, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, is seen as a key ally of the GOP establishment, compared to Weil, a progressive school teacher who has positioned himself as a champion of working-class Floridians.
Weil is one of two Democrats running in special elections to fill vacant House seats in Florida, and both overwhelmingly outraised their Republican opponents despite being long shots to win early next month.
Democrats Gay Valimont, running for the special election to represent Florida’s 1st Congressional District, and Weil, seeking to represent the state’s 6th Congressional District, brought in a total of more than $15 million, according to Federal Elections Commission (FEC) reports filed Thursday before a preelection deadline.
Weil’s campaign has dismissed Fine’s allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
“Randy Fine is scared because he knows he can’t win on the issues,” said Weil campaign manager Sarah Thompson. “Instead of talking about healthcare, education, or the economy, he’s resorting to fear tactics and personal attacks. It’s disgraceful.”
The race has drawn national attention, with pundits drawing parallels to other high-profile contests where progressive candidates have challenged entrenched Republican incumbents.
Weil, who has been compared to figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and David Hogg, has energized the Democratic base in Florida’s 6th District, a traditionally red stronghold.
As the election approaches, the stakes could not be higher.
Fine’s incendiary rhetoric and calls for his opponent’s arrest have raised concerns about the future of political discourse in America. In a country already deeply divided, his actions threaten to further erode trust in the electoral process and the rule of law.
“This is not how democracy is supposed to work,” said Gonzalez. “Voters deserve better than this. They deserve a campaign focused on the issues, not on fear and division.”
Whether Fine’s gambit will succeed remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the eyes of the nation are on Florida, and the outcome of this race could have far-reaching consequences for the future of American politics.