Florida Rep. Randy Fine Comments on Armenians in Congress

Fine, who represents Florida's 6th Congressional District, appeared on The Jenny Beth Show on Thursday, where he described Bilzerian as a top-ranked antisemite based on an Israeli government list.

During the podcast, Fine attacked Bilzerian's background and statements, including Bilzerian's criticism of President Donald Trump. He concluded by saying the Republican Party must prevent such views from taking root.

“We don't want Armenians to be able to serve in Congress.”

The remarks were made in the context of Bilzerian's Armenian citizenship and his platform, which includes antisemitic claims identified by the Anti-Defamation League.

The Armenian National Committee of America condemned the statement as a racist rant, linking it to Fine's support for legislation aiding Azerbaijan. Aram Hamparian, executive director of the organization, described Fine's words as bigoted and tied to political self-interest.

Gev Iskajyan, the group's advocacy director, called the comments disqualifying and blatant bigotry on social media Friday. Armenian American communications strategist Stephan Pechdimaldji urged censure, connecting the rhetoric to historical anti-Armenian bigotry.

Ana Kasparian, host of The Young Turks, responded harshly, criticizing Fine's stance on civilian issues.

Fine, 51, won a special election in April 2025 to replace former Congressman Michael Waltz and has been endorsed multiple times by President Trump. He serves on House committees for foreign affairs and education, with a history of opposing antisemitism.

Bilzerian, 45, is a social media personality and poker player running as a Republican, promoting policies to abolish federal agencies and end foreign aid. His platform includes claims classified as antisemitic, such as alleging Jewish supremacy and questioning the Holocaust death toll.

The controversy arises amid heightened scrutiny of discriminatory rhetoric in Republican primaries. Armenian Americans, estimated at 1.5 million in the U.S., have a history of public service, and the comments reference recent events like the 2023 ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Republican primary for Florida's 6th District, covering areas including Volusia County, is set for August 18, with multiple candidates from both parties. Newsweek reached out to Fine's office and Bilzerian's campaign for comment on Saturday, but responses were not detailed in available reports.

“This hate-filled bigot has no place in Congress.”