DeSantis Sets Special Election for Gaetz's Vacant Seat

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has scheduled a special election to fill the congressional seat vacated by former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who resigned to accept a nomination from President-elect Trump for Attorney General, which he later withdrew following allegations and a House Ethics Committee report. The primary election is set for January 28, 2025, and the general election for April 1, 2025, with an expedited process initiated by DeSantis. Several Republican candidates, including state Reps. Michelle Salzman and Joel Rudman, and potentially Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis, have expressed interest in running for the seat in Florida's heavily conservative 1st Congressional District. The district's Republican lean suggests the GOP primary winner will likely secure the seat in the general election. This quick special election contrasts with slower processes seen in previous elections when Democratic seats were vacated.