Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s chief financial officer, won the Republican primary in the state’s 1st Congressional District, making him a favorite to win the general election for the district’s U.S. House seat in April, according to Decision Desk HQ.
Patronis is running to replace former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who resigned from Congress.
The congressional district is one of the most conservative in the state. Gaetz easily won reelection in November, carrying 66 percent of the vote. The district, which is located in the state’s western panhandle, includes Escambia, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties, along with parts of Walton County.
The special general election for the district is slated for April 1.
Patronis jumped into the race last November after Trump publicly encouraged him to run for the seat. Following Trump’s endorsement, a number of announced candidates for the seat quickly dropped out of the race and backed Patronis. However, former state Rep. Joel Rudman (R) remained in the primary.
