Former Representative Matt Gaetz's (R-FL) seat for Congressional District 1 is wide open, and ten Republicans are vying to fill it in the upcoming special election. So far, Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) is in a strong position to take the title with several key endorsements, but anything can happen in three months.
Patronis's frontrunner status is his greater name recognition as Florida's Chief Financial Officer. Although this position may not sound particularly glamorous, Patronis has not been shy in advancing Governor Ron DeSantis's (R-FL) conservative agenda.
For instance, the CFO has publicly denounced environmental social governance (ESG), saying last February that the system is "against capitalism" and "against job creation." Similarly, he has blasted the push for electric vehicles (EVs) endorsed by figures such as Al Gore (D) and John Kerry (D) by telling them to witness the effects of lithium-ion battery fires caused by EVs coming into contact with seawater as a result of hurricanes.
Perhaps this is why Patronis has scored the endorsement of President-elect Donald Trump, who glowingly said on Truth Social, "As your next Congressman, Jimmy would work tirelessly alongside of me to Grow our Economy, Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Incredible Military/Vets, Restore American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment."
Shortly after, Patronis received the endorsements of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Florida State Senator Joe Gruters (R), boosting his chances further.
Even then, nine other Republicans are taking their own shot at filling Gaetz's seat, including Aaron Dimmock, whom Gaetz soundly defeated in the 2024 primary.
Other candidates include Kevin Gaffney, a schoolteacher and former adjunct professor with experience in criminal law, management, and administration in the federal government, former Walton County Commissioner Cindy Meadows, Iraq veteran and Nex Gen USA Media CEO Greg Merk, John Mills, fellow veteran and businessman John Mills, former Alabama GOP official Jeff Peacock, former State House Representative Joel Rudman (R), and Christopher Slater.
The primary will be held on January 28th.
