Days after withdrawing from consideration as president-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general, and announcing that he will not return to Congress, a replacement for Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz has been named.
And his replacement has even been given the seal of approval from Trump.
On Monday, Trump endorsed Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis for the congressional seat vacated by Gaetz.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Patronis, noting, “Jimmy Patronis has been a wonderful friend to me,” despite Patronis’s late endorsement in this year’s presidential race, which came after Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis exited the primary.
In the post, Trump encouraged Patronis to run.
“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,” Trump wrote.
“Should he decide to enter this Race, Jimmy Patronis has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, JIMMY, RUN!”
Patronis reacted to Trump’s endorsement and expressed his willingness to potentially serve. “Put me to work, Mr. President! @realDonaldTrump I am here to serve,” Patronis wrote on X
Put me to work, Mr. President! @realDonaldTrump I am here to serve. 🫡 https://t.co/5HcxBtJAmk
— Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis) November 25, 2024
Gaetz confirmed he will not return to Congress for the 119th session after resigning.
Gaetz, who was initially selected by Trump as his attorney general, withdrew from consideration and announced his departure from Congress on “The Charlie Kirk Show.”
According to Politico, if Patronis opts to run for Congress, the responsibility to appoint his successor as Chief Financial Officer until the 2026 elections falls to DeSantis.
State Sen. Joe Gruters already announced his candidacy for the position.