President-elect Donald Trump on Monday endorsed Jimmy Patronis, Florida's chief financial officer, for the House seat vacated by the former congressman. Matt Gaetz was running for office even before CFO officially announced his candidacy.
Mr. Patronis, 52, who has said he is considering a run for political office, is an ardent Trump supporter and has previously sponsored a bill that would divert up to $5 million from Florida taxpayers to support the president-elect's legislation. I have supported it.
“Jimmy, a fourth-generation Floridian from the beautiful Panhandle and owner of an iconic seafood restaurant, is a great friend to me and MAGA,” Trump wrote. society of truth.
“As your next Congressman, Jimmy will grow our economy, secure our borders, stop immigration crime, strengthen our incredible military and veterans, restore America's energy dominance, and continue to protect our nation under constant siege. He will work tirelessly with me to protect the Second Amendment,” the president said. – said the elect.
Gates, 42, a Republican, had held the seat in Florida's 1st Congressional District since 2017, but resigned earlier this month after President Trump, 78, nominated him for attorney general.
Gates ultimately dropped out of the AG race as Senate confirmation proved to be an uphill battle as he battled sex scandals. He denies any wrongdoing.
The former lawmaker later told conservative commentator Charlie Kirk that he “has no intention of participating in the 119th Congress” in his old seat.
For now, Gates has chosen to use his political fame to publish his profile on a platform called Cameo. Cameo is a platform where celebrities offer to cut personal videos for a fee.
Last week, Sunshine State Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the primary election for Gates' seat would be held on January 28th, and the general election would be held on April 1st.
Republicans Nathan Nelson, former Green Beret and Army captain John Frankman, state Rep. Michelle Salzman and Keith Gross have also expressed interest in the seat.
Mr. Patronis has served as Florida's chief financial officer since 2017, serving until the end of the terms of former Gov. Rick Scott and current Mr. DeSantis.
The role of CFO in Florida combines the roles of treasurer, insurance commissioner, fire marshal, and comptroller. Mr. Patronis' responsibilities include overseeing the payment of state bills and auditing government agencies.
He is a member of the governor's cabinet and is third in line to become governor after the lieutenant governor and attorney general.
Last year's Patronis promoted state legislation It called for the creation of a “Freedom Fighters Fund” that would allocate up to $5 million to “Floridians running for president who are facing legal, partisan, and political attacks from the Department of Justice and state attorneys.” That would include Trump, who at one point faced 91 charges in four criminal cases.
“It is in the best interest of the state of Florida to ensure that the president's defenders receive a legitimate attack in the White House, rather than being ousted in a bogus witch hunt,” Patronis said at the time. . According to the Washington Post.
Ultimately, DeSantis, 46, blocked the move.
Mr. Patronis has publicly teased that he is considering whether to step into the ring instead of Mr. Gates in the Republican stronghold Panhandle region.
“I am strongly considering running for Florida House District 1. We have a historic opportunity to fight the quagmire, end the legal problems, and put power back in the hands of Americans.” he wrote last week to.
Meanwhile, President Trump nominated Republican Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead the Justice Department.
