What did Donald Trump do today? 

He endorsed a kindred spirit in an upcoming special election in Florida.

Because Trump has tapped Florida Rep. Michael Waltz to serve as his national security advisor, there will be a special election in Florida's 6th congressional district. Today, Trump endorsed Florida state Sen. Randy Fine in that race.

Given the generic wording of the post, it's not clear if Trump actually knows who Fine is, but the two are certainly kindred spirits. Like Trump, Fine has a recent history of being cited for contempt of court: in August, he mouthed curse words during a video hearing and made obscene gestures. The judge ordered him to undergo anger management.

Also like Trump, Fine has been known to play politics with charities. In 2022, the West Melbourne Police Department hosted a fundraiser for Special Olympics at a fast-food restaurant. They invited a city council member, Jennifer Jenkins, but not Fine, and he responded by threatening to get routine state funding for the charity and the city struck from the budget. 

When a city attorney used a public records request to release text messages proving Fine had made the threats, he tried to get the attorney fired. The whole affair led to a state ethics commission ruling against him. Once again emulating Trump, Fine declared it a "kangaroo court."

Fine has displayed a Trump-like approach to women who challenge him. He called Jenkins a "whore," published her phone number and encouraged social media followers to harass her, had people show up to her house saying "Fine says hi." 

Finally, Fine shares something of Trump's physical courage. When he was subpoenaed related to his ongoing fight with Jenkins, he hid under a desk in an attempt to avoid being served, and then claimed he thought it was an attack by Hamas.

Fine's office in Palm Bay, Florida, is approximately 6,500 miles from any place Hamas has influence.

Why does this matter?

• Endorsements say something about the person making them.