Florida's Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis announced on Monday that he will run for a congressional seat vacated by former U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz.
Gaetz resigned from the House on November 13 after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him as the next U.S. attorney general. On November 21, Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration, saying it was "clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition." Gaetz has been the center of a probe into alleged sexual misconduct.
Trump has now endorsed Patronis to replace Gaetz in the House of Representatives, writing on Truth Social: "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."
"Should he decide to enter this Race, Jimmy Patronis has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, JIMMY, RUN!"
Shortly after this, Patronis submitted his resignation and entered the race to represent Florida's 1st Congressional District, which includes Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties.
When will Florida's special election be held?
Florida's special election will be held on April 1, 2025.
Florida's primary elections will take place on January 28. The state is widely considered to be a safe Republican state, and all of the confirmed candidates running are Republicans.
Full List of Declared Candidates Running to Replace Matt Gaetz as Florida Representative
Jimmy Patronis
Patronis, who has a background in finance and public service, has served as Florida's chief financial officer since 2017.
Patronis shared the president-elect's endorsement of him on X, formerly Twitter and wrote: "Put me to work, Mr. President! I am here to serve."
In his letter of resignation, Patronis said that it had been an "honor and a privilege" to serve as Florida's CFO" before stating that "We are just getting started. I know Florida is on a roll and it is only the beginning under the new federal leadership of President Elect Donald Trump."
Nathan Nelson
Nelson is the former director of Military Affairs for Gaetz and a veteran who served in Afghanistan, where he was severely injured in a rocket attack. His campaign website outlines his support for President-elect Trump and his economic agenda, the American military, and securing the southern border.
Bernadette Pittman
Pittman is a businesswoman known for her entrepreneurial ventures and involvement in the local business community. Her campaign website outlines her commitment to lowering the cost of living, supporting the military and veterans' rights, and supporting law enforcement and the border.
Joel Rudman
Rudman has been the state representative for Florida's 3rd District since 2022, focusing on legislative issues impacting his district. Announcing the resignation of his seat in the Florida Legislature and his bid for the U.S. House, he wrote on X, "Resigning is the hardest thing to do. But for the opportunity to represent you when we make America great again? All you had to do was ask."
Michael Dylan Thompson
Thompson is an attorney with expertise in legal advocacy and a commitment to public service. His campaign website outlines his commitment to keeping the GOP strong for the next generation and says, "It's time to give new voters the representation and voice they deserve."
Gene Valentino
Valentino is a former two-term Escambia County Commissioner, entrepreneur, pilot and founder of a charter aviation company. His campaign website outlines his commitment to the Second Amendment and self-defense rights, military institutions, restoring Amtrak and fostering commerce and industry.
Jeff Witt
Witt is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Afghanistan. His campaign website outlines his support for a new generation of conservatives and the America First agenda.
"Let's do this," he wrote on X.
Newsweek reached out to the declared candidates for comment via email.
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