Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis (R) was projected to win the Republican primary in the state’s first congressional district, making him a favorite to win the general election 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, Santa Rosa, and parts of Walton counties.
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 formerly announced candidates for the seat quickly dropped out of the race and backed Patronis. However, state Rep. Joel Rudman (R ) remained in the primary.
