Donald Trump made a preemptive endorsement in the special election to replace Matt Gaetz in Congress.
The Florida Republican resigned his House seat immediately after Trump nominated him as attorney general, but he withdrew himself from consideration eight days later under pressure from Senate Republicans, and Gaetz announced that he would not return to the seat he won re-election to earlier this month, setting up an April 1 special election.
"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," Trump posted on Truth Social. "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," the president-elect added. "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."
Gaetz's former director of military affairs Nathan Nelson has already announced he would run in the special election, and so have Republican former Green Beret John Frankman and Democrat Gay Valimont, but Trump made clear he had a favorite.
"Should he decide to enter this Race, Jimmy Patronis has my Complete and Total Endorsement," Trump posted. "RUN, JIMMY, RUN!"