With Florida’s First Congressional District seat up for grabs, the Sunshine State’s former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis is receiving support from national Republican leaders. One week after Patronis resigned to run for the seat and was endorsed by President-Elect Trump, his campaign received more national support, with endorsements from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, (R-LA), and Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN).
“I am proud to endorse Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis for Florida’s 1st District!,” Johnson said. “No one is better to represent Florida’s Panhandle than Jimmy, who will bring his experience in business and as CFO to help us fix our economy, secure the border, restore peace through strength, and fight for President Trump’s America First agenda. I look forward to working with Jimmy to help defend our House majority and deliver for the American people.”
Scalise echoed Johnson’s sentiments in a statement that was shared by Patronis on X social network:
“I am proud to endorse Jimmy Patronis for Florida’s 1st Congressional District,” Scalise said. “Jimmy has done a tremendous job as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal. In Congress, Jimmy will fight for hardworking families and Make America Great Again – he has my complete and total support!”
Patronis currently faces only one challenger in the Republican Primary Election: State Rep. Joel Rudman (R ), who resigned his seat on Monday to run in the primary. Rudman faces a major fundraising hurdle due to Patronis’ support from the GOP establishment. Prior to Patronis’ run for Gaetz seat, he was already gaining attention from party donors as a potential gubernatorial candidate for 2026.
“Jimmy Patronis is the fighter Florida’s First Congressional District needs to deliver on President Trump’s agenda,” Emmer said. “Jimmy’s done an excellent job as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and he will be a fantastic addition to our House Republican team. He has my full endorsement.”
