Trump endorses Jimmy Patronis for Florida’s 1st Congressional District, seat previously held by Matt Gaetz

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – President-elect Donald Trump announced his endorsement of Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis for the 1st Congressional District seat, previously held by Rep. Matt Gaetz. Trump made the endorsement via Truth Social on Monday, praising Patronis as a loyal ally.

“Jimmy Patronis has been a wonderful friend to me and to MAGA,” Trump wrote. “Should he decide to enter this race, Jimmy has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, JIMMY, RUN!”

After the endorsement, Patronis officially resigned as Chief Financial Officer, according to media reports, and announced he will run for the seat.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will appoint a new Chief Financial Officer to fill out the remainder of Patronis’ term, which will end after 2026.

Patronis, a fourth-generation Floridian and owner of a well-known seafood restaurant has served as the state’s CFO since his 2017 appointment by then-Gov. Rick Scott. Though he initially delayed endorsing Trump in the presidential race, Patronis has been a consistent supporter of Trump’s policies.

Under Florida law, candidates currently holding elected positions must file resign-to-run letters by Monday to officially join the race.

This decision to run could potentially shape Florida’s political landscape, particularly as DeSantis considers whether to name a Trump-aligned successor like State Senator Joe Gruters who submitted paperwork for his candidacy in May, or someone outside Trump’s circle.

This endorsement follows another high-profile suggestion from Trump over the weekend. He encouraged State Sen. Randy Fine to run for Rep. Mike Waltz’s seat.

While Patronis has not formally declared his candidacy, his response to Trump’s endorsement hinted at his intentions. “Put me to work, Mr. President! … I am here to serve,” he posted on social media.