In a special election held on Tuesday, Jimmy Patronis, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, secured the Republican nomination for Florida's 1st Congressional District. This district, situated in the state's northwestern Panhandle, was previously held by Matt Gaetz.

The Associated Press has projected Patronis, Florida's Chief Financial Officer, as the winner of the Republican primary. He is set to contend against Democratic primary winner and gun safety advocate, Gay Valimont, in the upcoming general election.

Patronis, who also received an endorsement from House Speaker Mike Johnson, emerged victorious from a competitive field of ten Republican candidates. Given the district's strong Republican leanings, he is anticipated to be the frontrunner in the April 1st general election.

In a social media post earlier this month, Trump praised Patronis, describing him as "a fourth-generation Floridian from the beautiful Panhandle, and owner of an iconic seafood restaurant," and "a wonderful friend to me, and to MAGA."

Gaetz's sudden resignation from Congress late last year followed his initial nomination by Trump for the position of Attorney General, a nomination Gaetz ultimately withdrew from amidst mounting Republican opposition. This resignation coincided with the House Ethics Committee's impending report on allegations against Gaetz, which included claims of drug use and sexual misconduct with a minor—allegations Gaetz has consistently denied.

Among the candidates Patronis defeated in the primary was a former Navy veteran who had previously challenged Gaetz in the prior year, with the support of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Notably, Gaetz played a pivotal role in the events leading to McCarthy's removal from the speakership after a tenure of less than a year.

Patronis, whose family owns a well-known restaurant in Panama City (located outside the district), faced criticism regarding his residency. A two-time statewide election winner as Chief Financial Officer, he had been considered a potential contender for the 2026 Florida gubernatorial race to succeed term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis before Gaetz's resignation.

Concurrent with the 1st District primary, Republican and Democratic primaries were also conducted in Florida's 6th Congressional District to fill the vacancy left by GOP Rep. Michael Waltz, who transitioned to the role of National Security Advisor in the second Trump administration. The general election for this district is also scheduled for April 1st.

With a slim majority in the House, the anticipated Republican gains from Florida's 1st and 6th Congressional Districts are expected to bolster the Republican leadership's efforts to advance Trump's legislative agenda.