President Donald Trump revealed on Monday who he supports to run for the House seat of former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz.
Trump shared his support for Jimmy Patronis, the Chief Financial Officer of Florida, encouraging him to run after Gaetz said he would not return to his position in the House.
“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!” Trump wrote Monday on his Truth Social account.
“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,” he continued.
“Should he decide to enter this Race, Jimmy Patronis has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, JIMMY, RUN!” Trump concluded.
Patronis has not yet announced a run for the open Florida seat.
“Put me to work, Mr. President! @realDonaldTrump I am here to serve,” Patronis posted on X alongside a copy of Trump’s statement of support.
Florida recently announced that a special election for Gaetz’s seat in the state’s 1st District will be held on April 1, 2025. The primaries will be held on January 28, 2025, with the Republican primary winner likely to hold a strong advantage in the district.
“At Gov. Ron DeSantis’ direction, this special election is being conducted as quickly as statutorily possible,” Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd said in a statement. “We are committed to ensuring this election is held as soon as we are allowed to hold it by state law.”
GOP State Rep. Michelle Salzman and GOP State Rep. Joel Rudman are the two individuals who have currently filed to run, according to Politico.