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From Fox News: Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis plans to run for U.S. Congress, he indicated in a resignation letter circulating online.
In the letter to Sunshine State Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Secretary of State Cory Byrd, Patronis said, “… this letter is to give you notice of my resignation from the 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.
“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.”
It’s official: @JimmyPatronis resigns-to-run for Florida Congressional District 1; effective date is March 31, 2025.
Resignation letter cites his work for Florida’s first responders, esp. after Surfside Building Collapse.#FlaPol pic.twitter.com/R4pG6cg23f
— Peter Schorsch (@PeterSchorschFL) November 25, 2024
Monday morning, Trump urged Patronis to run for the seat. In a Truth Social post, he wrote:
Jimmy Patronis, Chief Financial Officer for the Great State of Florida, has done a tremendous job as CFO, where he also serves as the State’s Fire Marshall, and as an important member of the Florida Cabinet. I hear that Jimmy is now considering launching a Campaign for Congress in Florida’s 1st Congressional District!
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. 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. RUN, JIMMY, RUN!
Patronis responded to Trump’s message by writing, “Put me to work, Mr. President! @realDonaldTrump I am here to serve. 🫡.”
Put me to work, Mr. President! @realDonaldTrump I am here to serve. 🫡 https://t.co/5HcxBtJAmk
— Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis) November 25, 2024
BREAKING: President Donald Trump endorses Florida CFO @JimmyPatronis for the @mattgaetz Congressional seat pic.twitter.com/htoEMbxaBY
— Brendon Leslie (@BrendonLeslie) November 25, 2024
BREAKING: @JimmyPatronis resigns as Florida CFO to run for Gaetz’s Congressional seat, following Trump’s endorsement https://t.co/u29F0zVS9Y
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) November 25, 2024
However, there’s already some competition for the seat. Another Republican, Jeff Witt, announced Monday that he is going to run to fill Gaetz’s seat.
Fox News reported: Fighter pilot and decorated combat veteran Jeff Witt announced Monday he is entering the race to fill former Rep. Matt Gaetz’s seat representing Florida’s 1st congressional district as a Republican who vows to “fight to get inflation under control, secure our borders, and strengthen our military,” while working with fellow GOP lawmakers to pass President Trump’s “America First” agenda, Fox News Digital has learned.
Witt, 38, is a two-time graduate of Harvard University, a businessman, decorated Afghanistan War veteran, F-35 fighter pilot and instructor with more than a dozen years of military service. Witt flew 82 combat missions in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Witt is currently serving as a policy advisor on the Trump-Vance Presidential Transition Team.
FIRST ON FOX: Fighter pilot & decorated combat veteran Jeff Witt is entering the race to fill former Rep. Matt Gaetz’s seat as an “America First” Republican vowing to fight to tackle inflation, secure borders, & strengthen military. #Florida https://t.co/RNH0xDuBY6
— Brooke Singman (@BrookeSingman) November 25, 2024
John Frankman, a former Green Beret, had aso announced last week that he was running for Gaetz’s seat. However, after Trump endorsed Patronis, Frankman bowed out, and said he would do whatever he can to help Patronis win the seat.
After prayerful consideration, I am announcing I will be withdrawing from the race for FL1 and joining President Trump in endorsing @JimmyPatronis.
Jimmy will be a steadfast warrior for conservative values, and I will do whatever I can to help him win.
I’m not backing down from…
— John Frankman (@JohnFrankmanFL) November 25, 2024
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