Patronis: Floridians Want Washington to 'Be More Like Florida'

Jimmy Patronis

Florida's Chief Financial Officer and U.S. Congressional District 1 hopeful, Jimmy Patronis (R), appeared on the Fox Business program Varney & Co. to discuss his candidacy and relevant policies surrounding Washington D.C. The issues at hand include former President Biden's (D) electric vehicle (EV) mandates (which were struck down by President Donald Trump), government budgeting, and blue state leadership.

When asked about former Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg insisting that people don't switch back to gas-powered cars once they own an EV, CFO Patronis laughed at Buttigieg's assertion and questioned the efficacy of the Biden administration.

"Was there anything that their administration was right on? I mean, the last four years have been the worst four years our country's ever experienced. There's nothing that we can reflect on as a single big victory of this administration, and Pete Buttigieg is going to have fun trying to get reelected as mayor, or whatever Indiana town he was from," said Patronis. "Look, the mandate to try to force down people's roads were just not ready for prime time, and I'm glad to be driving my gas pickup truck."

Moreover, the CFO Patronis was asked what his fellow Sunshine State residents want from their elected officials in Washington.

"Well, the voters of Florida just want to see Washington be more like Florida. We've had an incredible track record here of a smaller budget last year than the previous year. We're in the best fiscal health in the history of the state of Florida. I know that because I'm the CFO!" Patronis said. "So, I'm excited about taking what we've done to Florida, to Washington, DC, I'm excited about getting our arms around inflation, I'm excited about seeing the border get shut down, I'm excited about giving our military the respect they deserve."

Later on in the interview, Patronis laughed once again when asked about Florida's state income tax rate (0%) in comparison to California's state income tax rate (upwards of 12.3%). He also shared that he is optimistic that other states - blue states in particular - switch to the "Florida model" and change its leadership as Florida's budget is currently in a surplus.

"You know, look, I hope so for our country's sake. You know, we've got blue states that are just really needing a change in leadership. And I think what we saw in this past election cycle, Trump did just didn't win the Electoral College, he won the popular vote," said Patronis. "That's making it loud and clear that people were tired of what the status quo was and they're ready to keep more of their money. Unfortunately, a lot of the blue states have dysfunctional leadership, that does not know how to live within its means."

The primary date for the special election for CD 1 is set for January 28, and the general election is set for April 1.