President-elect Donald Trump has endorsed Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis to replace Matt Gaetz in the US House of Representatives.
Gaetz stepped down from his seat in the House earlier this month after Trump nominated him to lead the Department of Justice. He withdrew his bid for attorney general last week as allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug mounted. The House Ethics Committee was reportedly set to release a “highly damaging” report on their investigation into these allegations just two days after Gaetz resigned.
The committee’s investigation is now over given Gaetz’s resignation. They also have not released the report, despite pressure from lawmakers. Gaetz, who has denied all wrongdoing, said he would not return to Congress.
Now, Trump has announced his favorite pick to replace Gaetz.
“A fourth generation Floridian from the beautiful Panhandle, and owner of an iconic seafood restaurant, Jimmy has been a wonderful friend to me, and to MAGA,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “As your next Congressman, Jimmy would work tirelessly alongside of me to Grow our Economy, Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Incredible Military/Vets, Restore American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”
“Should he decide to enter this Race, Jimmy Patronis has my Complete and Total Endorsement,” he added. “RUN, JIMMY, RUN!”
Patronis resigned as Florida’s CFO on Monday afternoon and declared he intends to run for Gaetz’ seat. He also responded to Trump’s endorsement on X: “Put me to work, Mr. President. @realDonaldTrump I am here to serve.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis set dates for the seat’s special election on Friday. The primary election will take place on January 28, and Gaetz’s successor will be elected on April 1.
Patronis, a long-time ally to the president-elect, has served as Florida’s CFO since 2017. He is married with two children and owns a seafood restaurant in Panama City.
In January, the CFO promoted a state bill that would have helped Trump, whose Mar-a-Lago residence is in Florida, pay his mounting legal fees.
The “Freedom Fighters Fund” would have provided up to $5 million in “financial support to Florida residents running for President who face legal, partisan, political attacks by the Department of Justice or State Attorneys,” The Washington Post reported.
The bill was ultimately withdrawn earlier this year after DeSantis threatened to veto it.
Meanwhile, Gaetz could be considering new career options. The team at Newsmax, a right-wing media network, has made it clear they would like Gaetz to jump on board and potentially host his own show, The Independent reported last week.
“I have joined cameo,” Gaetz previously told The Independent. “I hope to bring people joy.”
