Randy Fine
Randy Fine | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 20, 1974 Tucson, Arizona, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, former gambling executive |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Known for | U.S. Representative for Florida's 6th congressional district since 2025; former member of Florida Senate and House of Representatives |
Randall Adam Fine (born April 20, 1974) is an American lawmaker and former executive in the gambling sector, currently representing Florida's 6th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives since April 2025. Affiliated with the Republican Party, Fine served in the Florida Senate from 2024 to 2025 and was a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2016 to 2024. His congressional jurisdiction encompasses a region spanning six counties, including Daytona Beach.
Originally from Arizona and raised in Kentucky, Fine holds a bachelor's degree in government from Harvard University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Prior to his political career, he worked at McKinsey & Company and served as a teaching fellow at Harvard before transitioning into executive roles within the casino gambling industry. Elected to the Florida House in 2016, he served during the concluding years of Governor Rick Scott’s administration and through the initial six years under Governor DeSantis. In 2024, Fine won election to represent Florida’s 19th Senate district, covering much of Brevard County.
After Mike Waltz resigned from Congress to assume the role of U.S. national security advisor, Fine secured victory in the 2025 special election for Florida’s 6th congressional district.
Fine has attracted controversy due to past remarks characterized as anti-Palestinian, Islamophobic, and anti-LGBT, provoking criticism from various organizations and media entities.
Early life and education
Born into a Jewish household in Tucson, Arizona, Fine is the son of H. Alan Fine, an MIT alumnus who taught engineering at the University of Kentucky. His mother, Harriet, formerly a junior high science educator, died in 2024 after a prolonged struggle with Alzheimer's disease.
Growing up in Lexington, Kentucky, Fine graduated co-valedictorian from Henry Clay High School in 1992. During his junior year, he served as a U.S. House page and completed internships with U.S. Representative Robert Dornan (R-CA) in both 1991 and 1992.
Fine graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in government from Harvard University in 1996. While chairing the Harvard Undergraduate Council’s student affairs committee in 1995, he was involved in student government despite facing accusations of election misconduct, which he dismissed as politically motivated attacks. He earned his MBA with high honors from Harvard Business School in 1998 and was distinguished as a Baker Scholar, Harvard’s highest academic honor.
Early career
Prior to entering politics, Fine was employed at consulting firm McKinsey & Company in 1997 and served as an economics teaching fellow at Harvard University between 1997 and 1998. Subsequently, he occupied executive positions within casino corporations such as Harrah's Entertainment, then the largest gaming company globally, and beginning in 2002 worked with Carl Icahn at American Casino & Entertainment Properties.
In 2005, at age 31, Fine established the Fine Point Group—a Nevada-based consultancy and management company catering to clients in casino gaming, cruise lines, technology, and healthcare sectors—with branch offices located in Florida, Memphis, and Las Vegas. The firm provided advisory services to casino operators across several states including Nevada, California, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
By 2009, Fine had become CEO of Detroit’s Greektown Casino, overseeing a revenue growth of nine percent despite adverse market conditions. Although contemplating a run for the U.S. Senate in 2015, he ultimately opted to seek election to Florida’s state legislature instead.
Elections
Randy Fine achieved victory in four successive elections to the Florida House of Representatives, serving the 53rd and later the 33rd districts. In 2016, he captured 57% of the vote, overcoming Democrat David Kearns for the seat in the 53rd district, which was open due to John Tobia reaching term limits. As the incumbent in both 2018 and 2020, Fine defeated Democrat Phil Moore, securing 55% of the ballots each time. Following redistricting, Fine contested the 33rd district in 2022, prevailing over Democrat Anthony Yantz with a 57% share.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Randy Fine | 110,980 | 56.7 | |
| Democratic | Joshua Weil | 83,580 | 42.7 | |
| Libertarian | Andrew Parrot | 702 | 0.36 | |
| No Party Affiliation | Randall Terry | 526 | 0.27 | |
| Write-In | Chuck Sheridan | 12 | 0.01 | |
| Total votes | 195,800 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
Tenure
During his tenure in the state legislature, Fine prioritized safeguarding the Indian River Lagoon from contamination caused by sewage leaks and consistently opposed expenditures he viewed as inefficient. He proposed legislation that would allocate up to $50 million annually in matching funds aimed at modernizing sewage treatment facilities adjacent to the lagoon and sought to raise penalties for unlawful sewage discharges. Conversely, in 2019, he supported HB 829, a bill barring local governments from enacting bans on applying biosolids—treated organic waste used as fertilizer—to farmlands draining into both the St. John's River and Indian River Lagoon. Critics have associated this practice with harmful algae outbreaks impacting Melbourne’s water supply; however, local authorities assert their water treatment processes maintain safety standards.
The editorial board at Florida Today recognized Fine’s dedication as a legislator but expressed concern over his confrontational personal approach, advising him to refrain from personal attacks while representing his constituents. Several reports suggest Fine has leveraged threats to withdraw state funding against political opponents, including actions affecting the Brevard Zoo in 2023, a firefighter training program at Palm Bay Magnet High School in 2022, and the West Melbourne Special Olympics in 2021—though he has denied some accusations. In April 2023, the Florida Commission on Ethics determined there was probable cause that Fine breached ethics regulations by threatening to withhold state funds amidst a personal dispute and obstructing public records requests. Later, in October 2024, a county judge found Fine in contempt for making an offensive gesture during a virtual proceeding concerning election documentation; he was subsequently mandated to complete an eight-hour anger management program.
Reedy Creek Improvement District
In 2022, Fine introduced legislation aimed at dissolving all six autonomous special districts in Florida that were established prior to November 5, 1968, including the Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID), which managed the territory of Walt Disney World Resort. This bill successfully passed both the Florida House and Senate and was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on April 22, 2022.
Observers associated the district's termination with retaliation linked to Disney's opposition to the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act, a law limiting classroom discussions on "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" for students in grade twelve or below. Fine remarked that scrutiny of RCID intensified "when Disney kicked the hornet's nest" following their dissent.
Addressing concerns about possible tax consequences for Orange and Osceola counties, Fine argued that taxpayers would benefit financially since tax revenues would be redirected to local authorities.
Committee assignments (2022–24)
- Health & Human Services Committee (Chair)
- Appropriations Committee
- Education & Employment Committee
- Education Quality Subcommittee
Florida Senate (2024–25)
On November 5, 2024, Fine secured election to the Florida Senate representing the 19th district, which includes Cape Canaveral and much of Brevard County, defeating Democrat Vance Ahrens by a margin of 59% to 41%. He officially took office on November 19, 2024, with an annual salary of $29,697.
Following his declaration to pursue a seat in the United States Congress, Fine resigned from his Florida Senate position effective March 31, 2025, in accordance with Florida’s resign-to-run law.
Committee assignments
- Governmental Oversight and Accountability (Chair)
- Appropriations
- Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
- Appropriations Committee on Pre-K –12 Education
- Education Postsecondary
- Regulated Industries
- Joint Select Committee on Collective Bargaining (Alternating Chair)
2025 U.S House campaign
Following Donald Trump’s re-election as president in 2024, Congressman Mike Waltz was appointed as U.S. national security advisor and subsequently resigned from the United States House of Representatives effective January 20, 2025. This resignation prompted a special election in Florida's 6th congressional district, which covers six counties including Daytona Beach.
On November 26, 2024, Fine declared his candidacy for Waltz’s vacated seat. His campaign received endorsements from President-elect Trump (“Randy Fine has my Complete and Total Endorsement”), Senator Rick Scott, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and Majority Whip Tom Emmer. The campaign focused on priorities such as border security, election integrity, pro-life policies, and safeguarding Second Amendment rights.
Fine’s announcement featured contentious comments targeting progressive lawmakers Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar accompanied by the hashtag "#BombsAway," which attracted criticism from media outlets and the Anti-Defamation League; Fine denied any intent to threaten.
In the Republican primary, Fine won decisively with 83% of the vote against opponents Aaron Baker and Ehsan Joarder.
During the general election campaign, Fine referred to his Democratic rival Josh Weil as "Jihad Josh" and called for Weil’s arrest after a staff member linked to Weil faced burglary charges. He also highlighted a prior suspension related to misconduct involving Weil.
In the April 1 general election, Fine defeated Weil by a margin of 57% to 43%, despite being outspent $10 million to less than $1 million.
Tenure
On April 2, 2025, Fine took the oath of office as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, administered by Speaker Mike Johnson, who used an ArtScroll Stone Edition Chumash for the ceremony.
Shortly after assuming office, Fine attracted attention by asserting that certain progressive members of Congress "shouldn't be Americans" and labeling Rashida Tlaib a "terrorist."
In June 2025, Fine put forward legislation aimed at designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a terrorist entity. CAIR had previously described Fine as an "anti-Muslim extremist," criticizing his social media activity, including the hashtag "#StarveAway" in response to civilian suffering in Gaza and his declaration that "Gaza must be destroyed."
Fine frequently wears a Kippah both on the House floor and during his service as Speaker pro tempore. He is reportedly the first individual to don a Kippah while speaking from the Speaker's podium.
COVID-19 response
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Fine urged officials in Brevard County to acknowledge the severity of the situation, criticizing their choice to keep beaches accessible. In 2021, he advocated for vaccination but opposed mandates requiring it. He recommended that unvaccinated people adhere to CDC mask guidelines in group environments and suggested that parents desiring mask mandates in schools utilize Florida’s voucher program to enroll their children in private institutions that enforce mask policies.
Crime
Fine co-sponsored legislation in Florida imposing stricter sentences on crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, including a mandatory death penalty for first-degree murder and child rape by this demographic. In January 2021, he also supported HB 1, which sought to increase penalties for assaults against law enforcement officers. His stance earned him an endorsement from the International Union of Police Associations.
Economy and fiscal
In 2023, Fine was awarded a perfect 100% score by Americans for Prosperity-Florida, a libertarian conservative advocacy organization.
Education
In 2022, Fine opposed the integration of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives and critical race theory into Florida’s public school curriculum. He advocates for broadening access to school vouchers so families can select private or home schooling options funded by taxpayers.
Environment
In 2020, Fine sponsored a bill that increased penalties by 50% for illegal dumping of raw sewage into waterways.
Gun rights
Fine introduced legislation proposing concealed carry rights on college campuses, arguing that adults should be able to protect themselves amid concerns about campus security. In 2024, he received backing from the NRA Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF).
Immigration
In 2024, Fine submitted a bill aimed at ending in-state tuition benefits for undocumented immigrants attending Florida colleges, citing $45 million spent by the state in 2021 on such tuition subsidies.
Iran
During the Iran–Israel war, Fine expressed strong support for Israeli military actions and praised former President Trump’s firm approach, tweeting "Bombs away" after Trump blamed Iran for failing to secure a nuclear agreement. When responding to posts linked to Iranian military forces, Fine warned, "And you won’t get to finish it." He also marked the reported death of Iranian Major General Gholam Ali Rashid due to an Israeli airstrike with another "Bombed away" tweet.
In an interview with the Washington Reporter, Fine urged Israel to "unleash Hell on Iran" following missile attacks on Israeli civilians, describing these as a "genocidal attack" and calling for a decisive response against Iran’s leadership. Despite his hawkish stance, he acknowledged Trump’s diplomatic efforts with Iran.
After United States strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Fine lauded Trump’s decision on Twitter, reaffirming his support for Trump’s presidency and concluding with "Bombs away."
Israel and Palestine
In 2018, Fine called for the cancellation of concerts by singer Lorde scheduled in Miami and Tampa, citing Florida’s anti-BDS legislation, after she had previously canceled a performance in Israel due to pressure from the BDS movement.
In April 2019, Fine expressed disapproval toward a progressive Jewish constituent who supported hosting a dialogue on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. During the May 2021 escalation, he openly endorsed Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and showed indifference toward Palestinian civilian casualties, asserting no sympathy for those he claimed were used as human shields.
By October 2023, Fine shifted his support in the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries from Ron DeSantis to Donald Trump, commending Trump’s decision to relocate the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and his role in facilitating the Abraham Accords. That same month, Fine orchestrated the engraving of pro-Israel slogans on artillery shells deployed against Gaza.
In November 2023, Fine opposed a Florida House resolution advocating for a Gaza ceasefire, accusing its backers of antisemitism and endangering Jewish children residing in Florida.
Following Ireland’s recognition of Palestine in May 2024, Fine condemned the nation as "antisemitic" and vowed to introduce legislation prohibiting Florida government contracts with companies based in Ireland, Norway, and Spain—countries that had recognized Palestine. He also criticized Governor DeSantis’s subsequent visit to Ireland as an endorsement of an antisemitic state.
After Israeli forces killed Turkish-American Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi in September 2024, Fine posted provocative comments on Twitter that led the Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR) to demand legislative disciplinary action.
In December 2024, Fine proposed a Florida Senate bill to ban "flags with a political viewpoint" from government premises—a move aimed at Palestinian flags as well as LGBTQ pride and Black Lives Matter banners—while dismissing Palestine as a "fictional country" and accusing its advocates of supporting Muslim terrorism and grooming.
Fine revealed plans to relocate his family to Israel if Kamala Harris won the 2024 presidential election.
After the February 2025 return of remains from the kidnapped Bibas family, Fine tweeted that no Palestinian civilians could be considered innocent, branding them "demons" deserving death and calling for Gaza’s destruction. CAIR renewed its calls for his censure.
Following the killing of Israeli embassy personnel in Washington, D.C., in 2025, Fine advocated for nuclear strikes on Gaza during an interview on Fox News, drawing parallels with U.S. actions during World War II. His statements were met with condemnation from activists who described his rhetoric as extreme and disgraceful.
In July 2025, amid looming famine concerns in Gaza, Fine tweeted urging to "starve away" until Israeli hostages were freed and dismissed reports of Palestinian suffering as propaganda. The American Jewish Committee denounced his comments. Subsequently, Fine was removed from AIPAC’s list of pro-Israeli politicians.
Ukraine
Fine criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, urging greater appreciation toward President Trump for U.S. assistance to Ukraine. He endorsed Trump's peace initiatives designed to conclude the Russo-Ukrainian war and avoid additional casualties.
LGBT rights
Fine has repeatedly made unsubstantiated claims accusing gay and lesbian individuals of "grooming" minors, and he has supported laws prohibiting those under 18 from attending drag performances. He declared, “If it requires eradicating a community to protect children, then absolutely, that’s what we should do!” He endorsed the Parental Rights in Education Act—commonly called the "Don't Say Gay Bill"—which limits conversations about sexual orientation and gender identity in early education; this legislation was enacted into law.
In April 2021, Fine was one of 77 Republicans who voted in favor of bill CS/HB 1475, which prevents transgender girls from joining girls’ sports teams in public schools. This measure also became law after gubernatorial approval.
In 2023, Fine introduced legislation aiming to ban drag shows where minors might be present. Critics pointed out that this could impact his wife’s "sultry performances" at the Spring Forward for Autism gala, an event supporting children’s charities that he actively sponsors. Media coverage confirmed that toddlers and children have both attended and performed at previous galas featuring his wife’s acts alongside Rainbow Circus Miami presentations. Fine has yet to clarify whether his proposed bill would affect these events.
Muslims
Fine has a record of making anti-Muslim remarks. Early in 2024, he provoked backlash by seemingly endorsing the killing of US activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi in the West Bank with a tweet stating, “Throw rocks, get shot. One less #MuslimTerrorist.” He further declared, “If you’re not an Islamophobe, you’re a fool,” implying widespread issues within Muslim communities.
Following the 2025 New Orleans truck attack carried out by an American-born convert to Islam who displayed an ISIS flag, Fine demanded deportation of non-citizen supporters of "Muslim terror" and tweeted that "Muslim terror has attacked the United States — again," blaming those who overlook the global "#MuslimProblem." Trump ally Richard Grenell criticized Fine’s statement as counterproductive.
At a March 2025 public hearing he chaired, Fine was booed after telling an attendee wearing a keffiyeh to "enjoy your terrorist rag." When challenged, Fine asserted, "I'm the chairman, I can say what I want."
After Muslim candidate Zohran Mamdani won the 2025 New York City Democratic mayoral primary, Fine made baseless accusations that Mamdani intended to establish a "caliphate" in NYC and falsely claimed that classrooms would teach Sharia Law instead of the Constitution.
In July 2025, Fine falsely labeled Rep. Ilhan Omar as a "Muslim terrorist," leading Democratic leaders to demand a public apology. Rep. Pete Aguilar condemned Fine’s remarks as “unhinged, racist and Islamophobic” as well as “bigoted and disgusting.”
Personal life
Fine wed his first spouse, Anne Price, in 1996; they met while employed by Students for an Energy Efficient Environment Inc. He and his second wife, Wendy, are parents to two sons. In 2007, they acquired a two-bedroom residence spanning 4,000 square feet in Melbourne Beach, Florida, later enlarging it by an additional 4,500 square feet with renovations totaling $1 million.
Previously affiliated with a Conservative Jewish synagogue in Melbourne, Fine reportedly left after threatening to "burn it to the ground" following the hiring of an LGBTQ+ staff member. He subsequently attended Temple Beth Sholom, which identifies as Conservative Judaism.
See also
- List of politicians affiliated with Harvard University
- Compilation of Jewish individuals serving in the United States Congress
- Directory of incoming representatives in the 119th United States Congress