Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is emerging as a strong contender to fill the congressional vacancy left by former Rep. Matt Gaetz, thanks to an enthusiastic endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump. Gaetz, who vacated his seat to pursue a bid for state attorney general, later withdrew from the race amidst a public outcry over allegations of misconduct.
While the Department of Justice opted not to file charges following a sex trafficking investigation, the controversy has reshaped Florida’s political landscape.
Trump’s endorsement of Patronis, delivered through a statement praising his credentials and loyalty, adds significant weight to the CFO’s potential candidacy for Florida’s 1st Congressional District. “Jimmy has done a tremendous job as CFO and has been a wonderful friend to me and to MAGA,” Trump wrote.
He emphasized Patronis’s alignment with key Republican priorities, including economic growth, border security, and Second Amendment protections, urging him to “RUN, JIMMY, RUN!”
“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” said the President-elect in his endorsement.
Patronis, a fourth-generation Floridian hailing from Panama City, has a storied history of public service. His political journey began with an appointment to the Florida Elections Commission in 1998. He served as a state legislator before being appointed as CFO in 2017 by then-Governor Rick Scott, a position he retained under Governor Ron DeSantis. As CFO, Patronis oversaw state finances, regulated insurance industries, and served as the State Fire Marshal.
In response to Trump’s endorsement, Patronis expressed his readiness to take on the challenge. “Put me to work, Mr. President! I am here to serve,” he declared on social media. This public display of enthusiasm highlights Patronis’s eagerness to align with Trump’s political vision, despite Patronis’s initially delayed endorsement of Trump during the 2024 presidential race.
Patronis’s background includes deep ties to the local community through his family’s iconic seafood restaurant and a strong academic foundation. He holds an associate degree in restaurant management from Gulf Coast Community College and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida State University. His internships with the Florida Senate and the UK’s House of Commons further shaped his public service aspirations.
The race to fill Gaetz’s seat is heating up, with multiple state legislators and a local official already declaring their intent to run. However, Trump backing Patronis has the potential to overshadow the competition, particularly in a district known for its strong support of the former president.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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