Trump backs state of Florida CFO Patronis for Gaetz's open GOP House seat, clearing election field

GOP President-elect Donald Trump wants Jimmy Patronis, the state of Florida's chief financial officer, to fill the Republican-held House seat vacated last week by Rep. Matt Gaetz – an announcement that resulted in three candidates ending their respective bids.

“Should he decide to enter this Race, Jimmy Patronis has my Complete and Total Endorsement,” Trump wrote Monday on social media. 

Patronis responded by writing, “Put me to work, Mr. President! I am here to serve.”

GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis last week set the special election primary in the state's 1st Congressional District for Jan. 28 and the general election for April 1. As a result, Gaetz's seat will be unfilled for at least 12 weeks in the 119th Congress, in which the GOP maintains only a narrow majority.

Three GOP candidates ended their bids after Trump endorsed Patronis, including state Rep. Michelle Salzman; John Frankman, a former Green Beret; and Keith Gross, who served in the U.S. Army National Guard and who unsuccessfully challenged incumbent Sen. Rick Scott, in this year's GOP primary.