Gene Valentino, who is running for former Rep. Matt Gaetz’s Florida seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, told Newsmax on Tuesday that the mass deportations happening in the early days of President Donald Trump’s administration are “absolutely essential.”

Valentino made the comments from Pensacola, Florida, on the day of the special Republican primary to replace Gaetz in the state’s 1st Congressional District. Tuesday’s winner is the heavy favorite to win the April 1 special election in the conservative-heavy district.

Valentino joined “Newsline” to discuss how his vision aligns with that of Trump and the president’s border czar, Tom Homan, who endorsed Valentino in the 10-person GOP field.

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