President-elect Donald Trump came out in support Monday of Florida’s chief financial officer, Jimmy Patronis, Monday for the special election to fill the seat left open by former Rep. Matt Gaetz.
“Jimmy has been a wonderful friend to me and to MAGA,” Mr. Trump said in a Truth Social post. “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.”
“Should he decide to enter this Race, Jimmy Patronis has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, JIMMY, RUN!” Mr. Trump said.
Mr. Patronis, 52, suggested he will enter the race, responding to Mr. Trump on X: “Put me to work, Mr. President! @realDonaldTrump I am here to serve,” adding a salute emoji.
A former Florida House legislator, Mr. Patronis has served as the state’s CFO since 2017, when he was appointed by then-Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican. He has won election to the post twice, most recently in 2022.
Monday is the deadline for Florida elected officials to resign to run for the open House seat.
The seat is open after Mr. Gaetz, Florida Republican, resigned from the House on Nov. 13 upon being nominated by Mr. Trump for U.S. attorney general. He withdrew his name from consideration eight days later amid persistent questions about a House Ethics Committee report alleging sex with minors and illicit drug use.
Mr. Gaetz, who was reelected to his House seat on Nov. 5, also announced last week that he wouldn’t be returning for the next Congress in January.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the special election primary for the vacant seat will be Jan. 28 and the general election will be April 1.
Others have already thrown their name into consideration, including Republican state Reps. Michelle Salzman and Joel Rudman, along with former Escambia County Commissioner Gene Valentino.
The district will almost definitely stay Republican. Mr. Gaetz first won the seat in 2016.
• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.