A millionaire social media influencer who currently lives in Las Vegas has just filed to run for Florida’s 6th Congressional District, which represents approximately half of Marion County, in an effort to unseat Representative Randy Fine.
As first reported by Villages-News.com, Bilzerian has joined an increasingly crowded field for the 2026 election that now includes 20 individuals. Florida’s 6th Congressional District covers all of Flagler County, parts of Putnam and Volusia, and a large portion of Marion County, including many neighborhoods in Ocala and the northern sections of The Villages.
As a registered Republican who currently resides in Las Vegas, Bilzerian will compete against eight other Republicans, including Fine, for the party’s nomination this August.
In addition to the nine Republicans, seven Democrats and a handful of independent and third-party candidates have also filed to run in the upcoming primary.
Bilzerian has amassed nearly 30 million followers by showcasing a lifestyle of luxurious amenities, world travel, and high-stakes gambling.
A U.S. Navy veteran who served from 1999 to 2003, Bilzerian transitioned into professional poker and business, launching the lifestyle brand Ignite and appearing in films like Lone Survivor.
While Bilzerian currently lives in Nevada, Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution allows him to run for a Florida seat as long as he becomes an “inhabitant” of the state by the time of the election.
Bilzerian’s entry sets up a primary battle against Randy Fine, a congressman who has remained a fixture in Ocala headlines since taking office.
Fine has been a lightning rod for local debate, particularly regarding his legislative push to possibly create a Florida National Park that would include the Ocala National Forest.
Shortly after Fine introduced the bill, over 9,000 Marion County residents signed a petition opposing the change, citing concerns over land use and federal oversight.
Beyond environmental policy, Fine has made national waves with unique legislative requests. Earlier this year, Ocala-News.com covered Fine’s formal request to the FCC to investigate recording artist Bad Bunny for using profanity during a televised halftime show.
Fine has also introduced the “Protecting Puppies from Sharia Act” and the “Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act” during his tenure.
What are your thoughts on Dan Bilzerian entering the race to possibly represent a portion of Marion County in Congress? Share your thoughts in a comment below or, if you have more to say on the topic, write a letter to the editor.