Politics

Trump backs Florida CFO Patronis for Gaetz’s congressional seat

President-elect Donald Trump endorsed Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis as a potential candidate for Florida's 1st Congressional District seat, following Rep. Matt Gaetz's resignation to accept Attorney General nomination.

Jared Williams

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis may enter the race for Florida’s 1st Congressional District, receiving an early endorsement from former President Donald Trump for the seat vacated by Rep. Matt Gaetz.

Patronis, who serves as both CFO and State Fire Marshall in Florida’s Cabinet, is “considering launching a Campaign for Congress” in the district, according to Trump’s social media post Thursday.

“Jimmy Patronis has my Complete and Total Endorsement,” Trump wrote. “RUN, JIMMY, RUN!”

The endorsement comes as Florida prepares for a special election to fill the seat, with primaries scheduled for January 28, 2025, and the general election set for April 1, 2025.

Trump described Patronis as a “fourth generation Floridian from the beautiful Panhandle” and owner of a seafood restaurant, praising his work as Florida’s CFO.

The congressional seat opened after Gaetz resigned November 14 following his nomination for U.S. Attorney General by President-elect Trump.

The district represents Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa Counties, and part of Walton County. Candidates must qualify during a two-day period December 5-6, 2024, according to the Florida Department of State’s timeline.

Early voting for the primary election will run January 18-25, 2025, with domestic vote-by-mail ballots being distributed starting December 19, 2024.

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