Republicans vie to replace Matt Gaetz in crowded 10-way special election primary
Republican Primary Election Day in Northwest Florida
As the dust settles from the November elections, Northwest Florida is once again at the center of political attention as voters head to the polls for the primary election. This time, the focus is on Florida’s 1st Congressional District, where a GOP candidate will be selected to fill the seat vacated by former Rep. Matt Gaetz.
The district, which encompasses part of the Florida panhandle, is a stronghold for Republicans. President Donald Trump carried the area in his last three elections, and Gaetz held the seat from January 2017 until his resignation late last year.
A total of 10 Republicans are vying to replace Gaetz in the primary. Among them is Aaron Dimmock, who received backing from former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in a previous attempt to push Gaetz out of office. Gaetz’s actions led to McCarthy’s ouster as House speaker in less than a year.
However, the frontrunner in the race is expected to be Jimmy Patronis, who has garnered endorsements from both Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Trump, in a statement on his Truth Social platform, praised Patronis as a “wonderful friend” and outlined his priorities to grow the economy, secure the border, and support the military and veterans.
In addition to the primary in the 1st Congressional District, a special primary election is also taking place in Florida’s 6th Congressional District to fill the seat left vacant by former Rep. Mike Waltz, who now serves as Trump’s national security adviser.
Both general elections in these districts are projected to be won by Republicans and are scheduled for April 1.
Gaetz’s sudden resignation last year, amidst speculation of a potential appointment as Trump’s attorney general, came as the House Ethics Committee was investigating allegations against him, including drug use and inappropriate behavior with a minor, all of which Gaetz has vehemently denied.
As the primary day unfolds in Northwest Florida, all eyes are on the candidates vying to represent these key congressional districts and carry on the Republican legacy in the region.
By Elizabeth Elkind, Politics Reporter for Fox News Digital. Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com.
