Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) has defeated Democrat Gay Valimont in the Congressional District 1 special election in a narrow election.
Patronis received prominent endorsements from President Donald Trump (R) and gubernatorial candidate and Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) this election cycle.
The seat to represent CD-1 was held previously by Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who resigned from the U.S. Congress to become President Trump's Attorney General. However, he withdrew from consideration for the position, and President Trump eventually nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has since been confirmed.
This race did not get as much coverage as State Senator Randy Fine's race against Democrat Josh Weil in Congressional District 6. Patronis' race was considered more safe for Republicans to hold.
The CD-6 race has been called for Fine, as well.
Before Patronis even announced his candidacy for the CD-1 seat, President Trump urged Patronis to "Run, Jimmy, run!" At that point, with the backing of the president, the race was pretty much over.
Moreover, President Trump released the following messages regarding Representative-elect Patronis' victory.
Jimmy Patronis WINS BIG! Congratulations Jimmy. DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT!
Donald Trump Truth Social 4/01/25 08:09 PM
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) April 2, 2025
"Jimmy Patronis WINS BIG! Congratulations Jimmy. DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT!," said Trump.
BOTH FLORIDA HOUSE SEATS HAVE BEEN WON, BIG, BY THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE. THE TRUMP ENDORSEMENT, AS ALWAYS, PROVED FAR GREATER THAN THE DEMOCRATS FORCES OF EVIL. CONGRATULATIONS TO AMERICA!!!
Donald Trump Truth Social 4/01/25 08:17 PM
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) April 2, 2025
"BOTH FLORIDA HOUSE SEATS HAVE BEEN WON, BIG, BY THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE. THE TRUMP ENDORSEMENT, AS ALWAYS, PROVED FAR GREATER THAN THE DEMOCRATS FORCES OF EVIL. CONGRATULATIONS TO AMERICA!!!" Trump added.
In January, Patronis, appeared on the Fox Business program Varney & Co. to discuss his candidacy and relevant policies surrounding the nation.
During the interview, 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, D.C., 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."
Patronis will hold the seat but will have to defend it in November of 2026.
