Trump Endorses Patronis for Gaetz's Seat

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is poised to run for Congress after receiving President-elect Donald Trump's endorsement for the special election to replace former Rep. Matt Gaetz in the 1st Congressional District. Gaetz resigned after being nominated for U.S. Attorney General, a bid he later withdrew from. Patronis, who has served as CFO since 2017, must resign from his position to enter the race, with the special election scheduled for April 1, 2025. Trump's backing is significant, suggesting Patronis could clear the Republican field, as other candidates like state Rep. Michelle Salzman have indicated support for him. Despite not residing in the district, Patronis is well-known in the region and aims to focus on issues like the economy and border security if elected. The Republican primary is set for January 28, 2025, with a compressed qualifying period for candidates shortly approaching.