Trump says he supports Jimmy Patronis replacing Matt Gaetz if Florida official seeks nomination

President-elect Donald Trump on Monday offered an endorsement to Florida's Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, if he decides to seek former Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz's vacant House seat.

Gaetz resigned from the House earlier this month after he was nominated for attorney general. The former congressman has since withdrawn his name for consideration as attorney general, over concerns that his confirmation hearing would distract from Trump's agenda, but said he was not looking to return to the lower chamber.

Trump urged Patronis to seek the seat in his endorsement, stating that the man would "work tirelessly" to secure the border, strengthen the economy, and defend the Second Amendment.

"A fourth generation Floridian from the beautiful Panhandle, and owner of an iconic seafood restaurant, Jimmy has been a wonderful friend to me, and to MAGA," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. "Should he decide to enter this Race, Jimmy Patronis has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, JIMMY, RUN!"

Patronis has not officially announced his bid for the seat, but responded to the endorsement in a post on X, stating that he was "here to serve." 

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.