According to an Independent report, US President-elect Donald Trump has endorsed former Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis to take over Matt Gaetz’s seat in Congress. Gaetz left office after facing allegations of sexual misconduct and a federal investigation into sex trafficking. He also withdrew his candidacy to become Trump’s Attorney General, calling the controversy a distraction.
Jimmy Patronis’ endorsement
Trump praised Jimmy Patronis at Truth Social as a “fourth-generation Floridian” and a dedicated ally. maga movement.“Jimmy Patronis, Chief Financial Officer of the State of Florida, has done a tremendous job as CFO, where he also serves as the State Fire Marshal and a key member of the Florida Cabinet. I hear Jimmy is now considering launching a campaign for Congress in Florida’s 1st Congressional District!” Trump wrote.
“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 will work to grow our economy, secure our border, stop migrant crime, strengthen our incredible military/vets, restore American energy dominance, and protect our always-under siege Second Amendment. Will work tirelessly with me to protect it.
“Should he decide to enter this race, Jimmy Patronis has my full and complete support. Run, Jimmy, run!” Trump concluded by throwing his full weight behind Patronis.
In response, Patronis resigned as CFO on Monday and announced his intention to run for Florida’s 1st District seat. On X (formerly Twitter) he said, “Hit me, Mr. President. @realDonaldTrump I am here to serve. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the dates of the special election to fill Gaetz’s seat. The primaries are scheduled for January 28, with the final election taking place on April 1.
Patronis, Panama City-based restaurateur and Trump loyalistsHas been in public office since 2017. Earlier this year, he supported the “Freedom Fighters Fund”, a proposed bill aimed at assisting Floridians facing legal battles, including against Trump. However, the legislation was shelved after opposition from DeSantis.
Within hours of leaving office, Patronis announced his candidacy for Florida’s Congressional District 1, which includes parts of Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties.
Why did Gaetz step down?
Gaetz, 42, resigned earlier this month amid allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use, just as the House Ethics Committee was set to release a “highly damaging” report on its investigation. Although Gaetz denied the allegations, he called them a “smear” and described the confirmation process for his Attorney General nomination as “a distraction from the important work of the Trump/Vance transition.”
Despite his resignation, the Ethics Committee has not released its report citing the findings of its investigation. Former Trump adviser John Bolton called Gaetz “the worst cabinet-level appointment in history.”
Gaetz’s withdrawal paved the way for Trump to nominate former Florida Attorney General, Pam Bondi, as his choice for attorney general. Meanwhile, Gaetz has not yet announced his next career move.
As Patronis steps into the political spotlight, he brings with him a reputation as a loyal Trump ally eager to advance the MAGA agenda.