Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has gained the backing of more than 20 current and former Okaloosa County elected officials in his bid for Florida’s 1st Congressional District, his campaign announced Wednesday.
- The endorsements come as Patronis seeks to fill the seat vacated by Rep. Matt Gaetz in an upcoming special election primary set for Jan. 28 by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“I proudly endorse Jimmy Patronis for Congress because he’s the strong, reliable leader we need in Washington,” said State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden. “He is exceptionally qualified for the job, bringing with him a background in business and finance.”
The list of supporters includes current and former law enforcement leaders, such as Sheriff Eric Aden and retired Sheriff Larry Gilbert, as well as education officials like School Board Chairman Dr. Lamar White and Superintendent Marcus Chambers.
- Former Commissioner and Undersheriff Graham W. Fountain highlighted Patronis’s connection to the region. “Over the last decade, Jimmy has been an active part of the community fighting hard for our first responders, military, and working men and women of our state,” Fountain said.
Florida Representative Patt Maney pointed to his long-standing professional relationship with Patronis. “Whether it be our service on the Florida Defense Task Force or the Florida Legislature, I have worked with Jimmy Patronis for over 12 years,” Maney said. “He is one of the finest people I know and he truly loves this community and all of the military service members and families who make us so special.”
- The endorsements span multiple levels of local government, including support from mayors of several municipalities such as Crestview’s JB Whitten, Shalimar’s Mark Franks, and Fort Walton Beach’s Dick Rynearson.
Full list of endorsements:
- Ginger Bowden Madden – State Attorney
- Commissioner Paul Mixon
- Commissioner Trey Goodwin
- Commissioner Drew Palmer
- Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel
- Commissioner Graham W. Fountain (Ret)
- Sheriff Eric Aden
- Sheriff Larry Gilbert (Ret)
- Florida Representative/Judge Patt Maney
- Ben Anderson, Tax Collector
- John Holquin, Chief Assistant Tax Collector
- J.D. Peacock, Clerk of Court
- Bobby Nabors, Former FWB City Council
- Marcus Chambers, Superintendent of Schools
- Col. Howard Hill, School Board (Ret)
- Dr. Diane Kelley, School Board (Ret)
- Larry Keefe, Former US Attorney
- Dewey Destin, Destin City Council
- Parker Destin, Okaloosa School Board
- Mayor Mark Franks, Shalimar
- Mayor JB Whitten, Crestview
- Mayor Dick Rynearson, Fort Walton Beach
- Dr. Lamar White, School Board Chairman
- Brad Embry, Clerk of Court-Elect