President-elect Donald Trump (R) may have won the popular vote, but Congress is lacking in the popularity department. According to a recent Gallup Poll, Congress has a 77% disapproval rating. With that in mind, the question lingers, why would anyone want to join Congress at this time? For Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis (R), running for Congress is simple. Patronis says he is "inspired" to enact change as a member of Congress.
In a recent interview on Fox Business, Patronis was asked why he's interested in running for Congress, and he expressed that he's ready to work for the American people.
I’m honored to have @realDonaldTrump’s endorsement for Congress.
I’m inspired, by the opportunity, that our country has a lot of great days ahead.
I’m a worker with a proven track record, and I’m ready to roll my sleeves up and get to work… pic.twitter.com/qEpCoLZntX
— Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis) December 26, 2024
Patronis is currently running for House District 1, which is the district that former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) vacated after resigning from Congress. Rep. Gaetz was President-elect Trump's pick for Attorney General, but controversy surrounding his legal woes led to him withdrawing his consideration.
When asked about his interest in running to replace Rep. Gaetz, Patronis said that he's simply "inspired by the opportunity that this country still has a lot of great days ahead."
Patronis, who has received an endorsement from President-elect Trump, says that he wants to join Congress to make a difference like he's made a difference in the sunshine state. "We're going to be a part of turning this country around, and I'm excited about [what] the future holds," Patronis said.
"This last election sent a message loud and clear - whether it be through the popular vote, the electoral college - that Democrats and Independents are also sick of the bureaucracy breaking down things in Washington D.C," he highlighted.
In reference to the endorsement he's received from the president-elect, Patronis believes that "President Trump sees an opportunity" in his candidacy given his financial successes for the sunshine state. Rep. Gaetz also weighed in on the race to replace him, commenting that voters should consider Patronis given his experience as Florida's CFO.
"I'm just a worker. I like to roll my sleeves up and take care of the customer," Patronis concluded.
