As the qualifying period began Thursday for the special election to fill the seat vacated by former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz in Northwest Florida’s Congressional District 1, a rapidly expanding field of candidates stepped forward.
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, a Republican, and State Rep. Joel Rudman, R-Navarre, were among the high-profile contenders to submit their paperwork, according to the state Division of Elections website.
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They join an already crowded Republican roster that includes Kevin Gaffney of Freeport, Greg Merk of Pensacola, John Mills of Navarre, Jeff Peacock of Pace, Michael Dylan Thompson of Pensacola, and Gene Valentino of Pensacola. Democrat Gay Valimont also qualified, opting to run in a district widely regarded as a GOP stronghold encompassing all or parts of Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties. The qualifying window in District 1 closes at noon on Friday.
Gaetz resigned his House seat last month after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him for the role of U.S. attorney general. Gaetz ultimately withdrew from consideration for the top Justice Department post, leaving his congressional seat vacant.
A separate special election will take shape in Congressional District 6 after Trump tapped U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., to become the next national security adviser. A formal qualifying period in District 6 begins Friday and continues until noon Saturday.
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Already, State Sen. Randy Fine, R-Brevard County, Democrat Ges Selmont of Elkton, and Libertarian Andrew Parrott of Ocala have paid their fees to enter the race. District 6 comprises portions of Flagler, Lake, Marion, Putnam, St. Johns, and Volusia counties.
Both districts are set to hold special primary elections on January 28, with general elections slated for April 1. President-elect Trump has already issued endorsements, backing Patronis in District 1 and Fine in District 6.
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