One of the worst-kept secrets in Florida politics is Gov. Ron DeSantis' plan to appoint Sen. Blaise Ingoglia to replace former chief financial officer Jimmy Patronis, who vacated the position when he became a U.S. Congressman in Florida's 1st District.
We're told it's a matter of time before Gov. DeSantis steps up and taps Sen. Ingoglia to succeed Rep. Patronis.
Ingoglia, who looks like he moonlights as a dietary enforcer for Charlie "Lucky" Luciano, is a member of the "prestigious" "Cannoli Caucus" in the Florida Legislature, and has gone all in on supporting DeSantis' "Florida First" agenda.
If (it's happening) and when Ingoglia is tapped to be CFO, reelection to the position in 2026 will be an uphill battle. He will have to beat back Trump-endorsed Sen. Joe Gruters, who is already putting together his team to tackle the midterm election cycle.
The expected Gruters vs. Ingoglia: "Rumble in the Pastry Shop," could be a very expensive endeavor for both men. Ingoglia will surely bank on DeSantis megadonors to fund his campaign, and Gruters will do the same across the MAGA spectrum of the Republican Party.
This contest will be Trump vs. DeSantis II, regardless of whether Team DeSantis wants to embrace the proxy rematch.
While Ingoglia hasn't formally announced his campaign, Gruters has the support of arguably the most influential U.S. President in recent history. This gives him the overwhelming advantage over Ingoglia right from the start, and it will get ugly. Very ugly.
Ingoglia has been spending extra time at the gym, and according to sources within the state Senate, he has cut back on his cannoli intake. Has already official interviewed with DeSantis for the job.
Matching Ingoglia's cannoli crushing campaign, Gruters recently channeled Willy Wonka's chocolate-making prowess.
"I don't think I'm going to get picked, but I don't need to get picked because I know that with Trump, we have a golden ticket. It's like Willy Wonka—the fact that I have that golden ticket makes me confident in my ability to win," said Gruters when asked about being appointed to the position.
Could a seated CFO Ingoglia have the upper hand, regardless of the Trump endorsement held by Gruters?
Maybe, but it could be a heavy lift considering how popular the President is in Florida. Rep. Byron Donalds, who is running for governor in 2026, all but clears the field of potential gubernatorial candidates once voters find out Trump endorsed him.
All the statewide races are up in the air, but one thing is for sure: Gruters and Ingoglia will be crossing chocolate bars—or cannolis—down the campaign trail.
