Florida announces special election to replace Gaetz will take place in April, primary in January

Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd on Friday announced the special election to replace former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz will take place next April, while the primaries for the race will take place in January. 

Gaetz resigned from Congress last week, after he was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Justice Department. However, he has since taken his name from consideration for attorney general, and said he does not intend to try and get his House seat back next year.

Byrd said the primary will take place Jan. 28, 2025, and the general election will be held on April 1. 

“At Governor Ron DeSantis’ direction, this Special Election is being conducted as quickly as statutorily possible,” Byrd said in a statement. “We are committed to ensuring this election is held as soon as we are allowed to hold it by state law.”

DeSantis is also expected to name a replacement for Florida GOP Sen. Marco Rubio in January, who will resign his seat early in order to serve as the U.S. Secretary of State if he is confirmed by Congress.

Several prominent Republicans in the state have already announced their interest in pursuing Gaetz's seat, including state Reps. Michelle Salzman and Joel Rudman. Former U.S. Army Captain John Frankman has announced his candidacy too.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said he is "strongly considering" running for the seat, The Hill reported.

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