Jimmy Patronis Wins Florida Special Primary for Matt Gaetz’ Seat

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has won the special primary for the state’s 1st Congressional District.

Matt Gaetz previously held the seat before he resigned to serve in President Donald Trump’s administration, for which he ultimately withdrew from being considered.

The district is extremely red. Patronis should easily win in the general election, which is scheduled for April 1.

President Donald Trump endorsed Patronis and urged him to run in the first place.

In a post on Truth Social last year, Trump wrote:

Jimmy Patronis, Chief Financial Officer for the Great State of Florida, has done a tremendous job as CFO, where he also serves as the State’s Fire Marshall, and as an important member of the Florida Cabinet. I hear that Jimmy is now considering launching a Campaign for Congress in Florida’s 1st Congressional District!

A fourth generation Floridian from the beautiful Panhandle, and owner of an iconic seafood restaurant, Jimmy has been a wonderful friend to me, and to MAGA. As your next Congressman, Jimmy would work tirelessly alongside of me to Grow our Economy, Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Incredible Military/Vets, Restore American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.

Should he decide to enter this Race, Jimmy Patronis has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, JIMMY, RUN!

The Hill reports:

Patronis jumped into the race last November after Trump publicly encouraged him to run for the seat. Following Trump’s endorsement, a number of announced candidates for the seat quickly dropped out of the race and backed Patronis. However, former state Rep. Joel Rudman (R) remained in the primary.

Patronis has served as Florida’s CFO since 2017. Governor Rick Scott appointed him after the previous CFO, Jeff Atwater, resigned to take a position at Florida Atlantic University. Patronis was subsequently elected to the role in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.

Before becoming CFO, Patronis represented the 6th District in Panama City in the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2014.

Patronis has also worked as a firefighter and emergency medical technician. He strongly advocates for balanced budgets, lower taxes, and reducing government spending.

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