Florida state senator Randy Fine, who is running in a closer-than-expected contest for a congressional seat in a heavily Republican district, was a “laughing stock” at Harvard, according to a fellow student.

Adam Feldman, Time Out New York‘s theater editor and critic, wrote on X on Monday that he was in Harvard’s Undergraduate Council with Fine, whom he also described as “a pompous prig.”

Feldman told Newsweek early Tuesday that Fine is the only person he remembers well from that time in his life “because he seemed so slimy and puffed-up.”

Newsweek has contacted Fine’s campaign spokesman for comment via email outside regular business hours.

Why It Matters

Fine is running against Democrat Josh Weil, a public school educator, for Mike Waltz’s seat in Florida’s 6th congressional district in a special election on Tuesday. Waltz is now President Donald Trump‘s national security adviser.

Trump carried the district by 30 points in November, but polls show the race is competitive.

Both Fine and fellow Florida Republican candidate Jimmy Patronis have been outraised by their Democratic opponents, worrying national Republicans.

Patronis is running in Florida’s 1st congressional district—another Republican stronghold—to replace former Representative Matt Gaetz.

If Democrats can pull off victories or make the races close, it could be a sign that the party could be in good shape to retake the House in the 2026 midterms.

What To Know

Feldman was scathing as he recalled Fine at Harvard.

“If I had to describe him I’d say he was Richard Nixon as Tracy Flick, or maybe the other way around,” Feldman said.

“To see him pop up from the depths of my past as a potential member of the House of Representatives was truly amusing in a dark way—it confirmed my fear that the sometimes the very worst rise to the top.”

On social media, he said all Fine “has ever wanted is power, power, power” as he urged voters to not give it to him.

Feldman’s post on X linked to a 1994 column from The Harvard Crimson that called the university’s student leaders a “laughing stock.”

Fine’s biography on his campaign website says he earned his undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Harvard, before graduating Harvard Business School “as the youngest MBA in his generation.”

What People Are Saying

Randy Fine’s campaign spokesperson Bryan Piligra previously told Newsweek: “When Randy is victorious on April 1, it will be because of the strength of the Trump agenda and the faith the American people have in him. Randy is grateful for the president’s unwavering confidence in him. The voters of CD 6 know they can count on Randy to fight fiercely alongside President Trump to Make America Great Again.”

Josh Weil said in a previous statement to Newsweek: “I’m grateful for the hundreds of thousands of Floridians and regular Americans who still believe in a better future. It’s that grassroots energy that is going to defeat career politician Randy Fine and the huge corporations and special interests that own him and his campaign.”

President Donald Trump said in a post on X on Monday: “America First Patriot Randy Fine is running to represent the Wonderful People of Florida’s 6th Congressional District! A highly successful, Harvard educated businessman, and greatly respected State Legislator, Randy has been a tremendous Voice for MAGA. In Congress, Randy will be an incredible fighter, who will work tirelessly with me to Strengthen our Economy, Lower Taxes, Secure the Border, Champion our Military/Vets, Ensure American Energy DOMINANCE, Protect our always under siege Second Amendment, and Advance PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.”

What’s Next

Florida’s special elections take place on Tuesday. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.