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
One Response
I just don’t know enough about each of the candidates’ own core values: just because a candidate is endorsed by another politician and past public servants does not sway my preference. I was shocked to learn during the 2024 general election that candidates do not have to live in the district when running for the office. I was disappointed when Matt Gaetz resigned from office: I think he ruined his political career instead of weathering the storm for his USAG Nomination. One of the biggest votes that Matt disappointed my family and me is when Matt voted against President Trump’s desire to send US Military Forces into Mexico to fend off the drug cartels and stopping the “Illegal Alien Invasion” during Trump’s first administration. FWB is still the “Redneck Riviera”! I am extremely disappointed in the board of county commissioners for purchasing an old ship just to sink it off the coast – BIG WASTE OF PUBLIC MONIES! I voted for Eddie Perillo (Republican) to be Sheriff! The roads in my neighborhood have never been paved since the development in the 1980’s. Where are the improvements in the socioeconomic landscape of Okaloosa County? Venture Hive was a good effort, but there wasn’t any growth from it! I have been unemployed for 12 years and I have never received assistance from the FED-to-SLED because I am too wealthy because I own an old pickup truck, too healthy, thus I don’t qualify for medicaid or free Obama-Care and too young to file for social security. I have been living with my elderly parents for the past 10 years in exchange for Love, Food and Shelter. My Father past away in December 23, 2023, but it still feels like yesterday. The sad irony all of FED-to-SLED civil servants and politicians get a lifetime of retirement and health care whereas the public citizens who they serve just rot away on the grape vine while the illegal aliens and the rest of the world get financial aid!