Following the November elections, Northwest Florida gears up for crucial primary elections to fill two vacant congressional seats. On Tuesday, voters in Florida's heavily Republican 1st Congressional District will choose a GOP candidate to likely succeed former Representative Matt Gaetz. This district, encompassing a section of the Florida panhandle, has consistently favored Republican candidates, with Donald Trump securing victories in the past three presidential elections. Gaetz held this seat from January 2017 until his resignation late last year.
Ten Republicans are vying for Gaetz's former position, including Aaron Dimmock, who was previously backed by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in an attempt to unseat Gaetz. Gaetz played a role in McCarthy's eventual removal from the speakership. However, the frontrunner appears to be Jimmy Patronis, endorsed by both Donald Trump and current House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Trump praised Patronis on Truth Social, highlighting his Florida roots, business ownership, and alignment with the MAGA agenda. He emphasized Patronis's commitment to economic growth, border security, military support, energy independence, and Second Amendment rights.
Simultaneously, a special primary election is being held for Florida's 6th Congressional District to replace former Representative Mike Waltz, who recently became Trump's national security adviser.
General elections for both districts are scheduled for April 1st and are anticipated to result in Republican victories.
Gaetz's resignation followed his initial nomination by Trump for attorney general, a position he later declined amidst Republican opposition and an impending House Ethics Committee report concerning allegations of drug use and inappropriate conduct, which Gaetz has denied.
