President Trump endorsed Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis to run in the special election to fill the congressional seat formerly held by Matt Gaetz.

Gaetz resigned from Congress after President Trump nominated him for attorney general.

After withdrawing his name for consideration, Gaetz said he did not intend to serve in the 119th Congress.

“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 said.

“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!” he added.

🚨Just in: President Trump says he will endorse Jimmy Patronis should he run for Congress in the Florida 1st Congressional District Special Election. pic.twitter.com/5uZCjZCrfK

— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) November 25, 2024

A closer look:

Per Florida’s Voice:

After Trump announced the appointment of Rep. Matt Gaetz to the position of attorney general in his second administration, several Florida Republicans jumped into the race to take over the District 1 seat. Although Gaetz later withdrew his nomination, a special election will still be held.

Others making a run for the seat include Nathan Nelson, Captain John Frankman, a U.S. Special Forces Green Beret, state Rep. Michelle Salzman, and Keith Gross – just to name a few.

The Special Primary Election will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, followed by the Special General Election on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

“I am strongly considering running for Florida Congressional District 1. We’ve got an historic opportunity to fight the swamp, end lawfare and return power back into the hands of Americans,” Patronis said.

I am strongly considering running for Florida Congressional District 1. We’ve got an historic opportunity to fight the swamp, end lawfare and return power back into the hands of Americans. #flapol

— Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis) November 19, 2024

From the Tallahassee Democrat:

Patronis has served as CFO since 2017, when then-Gov. Rick Scott chose him to replace Jeff Atwater, who left the post for a position at Florida Atlantic University. Patronis won election in 2018 and was reelected in 2022. If Patronis resigns to run for the congressional seat, Gov. Ron DeSantis would appoint his replacement.

Patronis is from Panama City, which isn’t part of the district. Under the U.S. Constitution, however, candidates aren’t required to live in the U.S. House district in which they run as long as they are a resident of the state. Last week, Patronis stated he was “strongly considering” getting in the race. A request for comment on his decision is pending with a spokesperson.

Other Republicans stating their intention to run for the heavily GOP district include state Reps. Michelle Salzman and Joel Rudman and former U.S. Senate candidate Keith Gross. It’s as yet unclear whether Trump’s endorsement will lead the potential candidates to drop their prospective bids.