Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis announced his candidacy for a Northwest Florida congressional seat on Monday, following an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump. The move set off a wave of political shifts, with state lawmakers and candidates maneuvering for key positions left vacant by Patronis and other Trump-backed appointees.
Patronis aims to fill the seat vacated by former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, who resigned after being nominated for U.S. attorney general, a nomination he withdrew last week amid controversy.
Hours after Trump’s endorsement, Patronis submitted his resignation as Florida’s CFO, effective March 31, to Governor Ron DeSantis and Secretary of State Cord Byrd.
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“Together, we have worked with the Florida Legislature to provide benefits for mental health and cancer for Florida’s first responders,” Patronis wrote in his resignation letter. “They are always there when we need them, and in return, we showed up for them in their time of need.”
The resignation opens the door for DeSantis to appoint a successor to serve the remaining two years of Patronis’ term.
Trump praised Patronis as a “fourth-generation Floridian from the beautiful Panhandle” with deep ties to the region and unwavering support for the MAGA agenda.
“Jimmy has been a wonderful friend to me and to MAGA,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “I encourage him to run for this important seat.”
Patronis’ announcement quickly reshaped the Republican primary for Florida’s 1st Congressional District, which covers Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties. State Rep. Michelle Salzman (R-Pensacola), who had previously entered the race, withdrew her candidacy and endorsed Patronis.
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“Jimmy has been endorsed by the leader of our party, and that should be enough for us to get behind him,” Salzman posted on X (formerly Twitter).
State Rep. Joel Rudman (R-Navarre), undeterred by Trump’s endorsement, declared his candidacy on Monday. Rudman submitted his resignation, effective January 1, to enter the race, emphasizing the importance of a competitive Republican primary.
“The good people here deserve a strong field of candidates and a robust Republican debate, not a coronation,” Rudman posted on X.
The race also includes Keith Gross, a former assistant state attorney, Gene Valentino, a former Escambia County commissioner, and Jeff Witt, a policy advisor for the Trump-Vance Presidential Transition Team and Afghanistan War veteran. Democrat Gay Valimont has also announced her candidacy.
Trump also endorsed State Sen. Randy Fine (R-Brevard) for the seat vacated by U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz, who was tapped by Trump to serve as National Security Advisor. Fine, known for his fiery debates, responded enthusiastically to Trump’s endorsement.
“Mr. President, it would be the honor of my life to be one of your foot soldiers,” Fine posted on X. He has until Tuesday to formally submit his resignation from the Florida Senate.
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Special primary elections for both District 1 and District 6 congressional seats are scheduled for January 28, with general elections set for April 1.
Patronis’ departure from the CFO role creates additional political opportunities, with potential successors including State Sen. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota), who has already secured Trump’s endorsement for the 2026 CFO race.
Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried criticized Patronis’ tenure, accusing him of prioritizing special interests over Floridians.
“Jimmy’s career has been built around failing up,” Fried said. “Eight years overseeing property insurance—Floridians, does he deserve a promotion?”
Despite criticism, Trump’s endorsement solidifies Patronis as the leading candidate in the conservative district, setting the stage for a high-profile primary battle as Florida’s political landscape continues to shift under the influence of Trump’s endorsements and appointments.
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