In a move likely to reshape the Republican field in Florida’s 1st Congressional District, President-elect Donald J. Trump has called on the state’s Chief Financial Officer, Jimmy Patronis, to run in the upcoming special election to fill the vacancy left by former Representative Matt Gaetz. The district, one of the most conservative in the state, has been a reliable Republican stronghold.
Trump, in a message on Truth Social, praised Patronis as “a wonderful friend to me and to MAGA,” offering his “complete and total endorsement” should Patronis decide to enter the race.
The President-elect highlighted Patronis’s alignment with his policy priorities, including economic growth, border security, energy independence, and Second Amendment rights.
“RUN, JIMMY, RUN!” Trump urged in the post.
Patronis responded enthusiastically on X, formerly Twitter, signaling his readiness. “Put me to work, Mr. President! I am here to serve,” he wrote.
A Potential Candidacy with Deep Roots
Jimmy Patronis, a Greek American and prominent figure in Florida politics, is no stranger to public service. As the state’s Chief Financial Officer, Patronis has played a pivotal role in managing Florida’s finances, while also serving as the state fire marshal. Before his current role, he served in the Florida House of Representatives.
Patronis has not officially declared his candidacy but confirmed last week that he is seriously considering entering the race. “We’ve got a historic opportunity to fight the swamp, end lawfare, and return power back into the hands of Americans,” he wrote on X.
The special election, set for early next year, will see a primary on January 28, followed by the general election on April 1. The Republican primary is expected to be fiercely competitive, with several candidates, including state Reps. Michelle Salzman and Joel Rudman, and former U.S. Army Capt. John Frankman, already in the running.
The Gaetz Vacancy and Broader Implications
The vacancy arose after Matt Gaetz was nominated by Trump to serve as attorney general. However, facing backlash over past allegations of sexual misconduct, Gaetz announced he was withdrawing from consideration. His resignation from Congress has opened the door to a battle for one of the nation’s most reliably Republican districts.
Trump’s endorsement of Patronis could significantly influence the race, given the former president’s continued dominance within the Republican Party. Should Patronis enter and win, his election would add another Greek American to Congress, a milestone for a community already well-represented in the upcoming term.
The 119th Congress will see six Greek Americans among its ranks, including returning representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), Chris Pappas (D-N.H.), Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), and Dina Titus (D-Nev.), as well as newcomers Mike Haridopolos (R-Fla.) and Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.). This marks, however, a bittersweet moment for the Greek American community, as longtime Congressman John Sarbanes retires after decades of public service.
