Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis will run for Matt Gaetz’s former House seat
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has announced his plans to run for U.S. Congress in a resignation letter that is currently circulating online. In the letter addressed to Sunshine State Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Secretary of State Cory Byrd, Patronis expressed his intention to step down from his role as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the State of Florida in order to become a candidate in the 2025 Special Election for Florida’s First Congressional District.
The resignation letter stated, “Because the primary election for CD 1 is currently scheduled for January 28, 2025, with the general election scheduled for April 1, 2025, I hereby irrevocably resign as CFO effective March 31, 2025.”
President-elect Donald Trump took to Truth Social to urge Patronis to run for the House seat, offering his full endorsement if Patronis decides to enter the race. Trump’s post read, “Should he decide to enter this Race, Jimmy Patronis has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, JIMMY, RUN!”
In response to Trump’s endorsement, Patronis shared a screenshot of the post and expressed his eagerness to serve, writing, “Put me to work, Mr. President! @realDonaldTrump I am here to serve.”
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who recently won re-election to the House seat, resigned after being selected by Trump for the position of attorney general. Gaetz later withdrew from consideration for the role, citing the distraction his confirmation process was causing to the Trump/Vance Transition.
It is worth noting that Patronis has been a key figure in various initiatives during his tenure as CFO, including requesting a report on the potential for investing some state retirement system funds into digital assets. He has also shared emotional stories about the challenges faced by retirees, showcasing his commitment to serving the people of Florida.
As the 2025 Special Election approaches, Jimmy Patronis’s decision to run for U.S. Congress has garnered significant attention and support, setting the stage for an exciting political race in Florida’s First Congressional District.
