President-elect Donald Trump is throwing his support behind two candidates to replace Florida Reps. Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz, after Gaetz resigned from Congress and Waltz was tapped to serve as Trump’s national security adviser.
Trump is backing Florida’s chief financial officer Jimmy Patronis to take Gaetz’s place and endorsed state lawmaker Randy Fine to fill Waltz’s seat.
Trump urged Patronis to run for the 1st district seat, writing on Monday, “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.”
Patronis responded to Trump, posting on X, “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
Patronis also serves as Florida’s fire marshal and was formerly a member of the state House of Representatives.
Trump similarly encouraged Fine to run for Waltz’s seat. In a post on Truth Social over the weekend, Trump described Fine as “an INCREDIBLE Fighter who will work tirelessly with me to Stop Inflation, Grow our Economy, Secure the Border, Champion our Military/Vets, Restore American Energy DOMINANCE, Protect our always under siege Second Amendment, and Restore PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.”
Fine served in the state House of Representatives from 2016 to 2024 and was elected to the state Senate in this year’s election.
“Should he decide to enter this Race, Randy Fine has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, RANDY, RUN!” Trump added.
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Fine responded to Trump’s endorsement and hinted at a coming announcement.
“Mr. President, G-d saved you on that day in Butler so that you could save the world,” Fine posted. “It would be the honor of my life to be one of your footsoldiers. Your confidence is overwhelming and I will have news to share soon!”
Clearly Mom wasted no time once she made it upstairs.
Mr. President, G-d saved you on that day in Butler so that you could save the world. It would be the honor of my life to be one of your footsoldiers. Your confidence is overwhelming and I will have news to share soon! pic.twitter.com/Zt9Tj3rF6e
— Senator Randy Fine (@VoteRandyFine) November 23, 2024
The special elections for both districts will take place on April 1 and candidates must qualify to run by December 6. Both districts have consistently voted Republican for decades.