Florida announces special election to fill the seat vacated by Matt Gaetz on April Fool’s Day
Gaetz has stepped down from his position and will not be returning to Congress, leading to a scramble among Republicans to fill the vacancy.
TroibNews 
MIAMI — Florida is set to hold a special election on April 1, 2025, to fill the House seat left vacant by Matt Gaetz, initiating a competitive race among Florida Republicans eager to represent the staunchly conservative district.
Gaetz stepped down from Congress after President-elect Donald Trump expressed his intention to appoint him as attorney general. However, he later withdrew his name from consideration, citing the “distraction” of the forthcoming confirmation process, which had prompted inquiries regarding allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use that he denies. Consequently, Trump announced his plan to nominate former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.
On Friday morning, Gaetz indicated that he does not intend to return to Congress but has not shared his future plans.
“I’m gonna be fighting for President Trump,” Gaetz told Charlie Kirk on his radio show. “I’m gonna be doing whatever he asks of me, as I always have. But I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress.”
The process of filling the seat in the 1st District will take several months due to qualifying requirements, overseas ballot deadlines, and the necessity of conducting both primary and general elections.
Primaries are scheduled for January 28, and the winner of the GOP nomination is expected to have a significant advantage over the Democratic candidate.
“At Gov. Ron DeSantis’ direction, this special election is being conducted as quickly as statutorily possible,” Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd stated. “We are committed to ensuring this election is held as soon as we are allowed to hold it by state law.”
GOP State Rep. Michelle Salzman submitted her filing to run for Gaetz’s seat on Tuesday, while Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis mentioned he is “strongly considering” entering the race. “We’ve got a historic opportunity to fight the swamp, end lawfare and return power back into the hands of Americans,” he wrote on X.
GOP State Rep. Joel Rudman has also filed to run, asserting in a press release Friday morning that he would “stand in lockstep” with Trump. Another potential candidate for the District 1 seat is James Uthmeier, who serves as DeSantis’ chief of staff.
If Patronis decides to run, Gov. DeSantis would have the authority to appoint his successor as CFO. This could set the stage for a challenge in 2026 to state Sen. Joe Gruters, who has already declared his candidacy for the position and has Trump’s endorsement, although he has a history of opposition to DeSantis.
An endorsement from Trump in this election would likely play a critical role in determining the future representative. Salzman endorsed DeSantis in the primary, whereas Patronis, who had been contemplating a 2026 gubernatorial bid, remained neutral until DeSantis withdrew.
Additionally, Florida is preparing for another upcoming special election, as Trump has also selected Rep. Mike Waltz to be his national security adviser. However, this special election has not yet been scheduled since Waltz has not announced his resignation and may continue serving at the start of the new Congress next year, a common scenario for members nominated for roles in a president-elect’s administration.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
Gaetz stepped down from Congress after President-elect Donald Trump expressed his intention to appoint him as attorney general. However, he later withdrew his name from consideration, citing the “distraction” of the forthcoming confirmation process, which had prompted inquiries regarding allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use that he denies. Consequently, Trump announced his plan to nominate former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.
On Friday morning, Gaetz indicated that he does not intend to return to Congress but has not shared his future plans.
“I’m gonna be fighting for President Trump,” Gaetz told Charlie Kirk on his radio show. “I’m gonna be doing whatever he asks of me, as I always have. But I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress.”
The process of filling the seat in the 1st District will take several months due to qualifying requirements, overseas ballot deadlines, and the necessity of conducting both primary and general elections.
Primaries are scheduled for January 28, and the winner of the GOP nomination is expected to have a significant advantage over the Democratic candidate.
“At Gov. Ron DeSantis’ direction, this special election is being conducted as quickly as statutorily possible,” Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd stated. “We are committed to ensuring this election is held as soon as we are allowed to hold it by state law.”
GOP State Rep. Michelle Salzman submitted her filing to run for Gaetz’s seat on Tuesday, while Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis mentioned he is “strongly considering” entering the race. “We’ve got a historic opportunity to fight the swamp, end lawfare and return power back into the hands of Americans,” he wrote on X.
GOP State Rep. Joel Rudman has also filed to run, asserting in a press release Friday morning that he would “stand in lockstep” with Trump. Another potential candidate for the District 1 seat is James Uthmeier, who serves as DeSantis’ chief of staff.
If Patronis decides to run, Gov. DeSantis would have the authority to appoint his successor as CFO. This could set the stage for a challenge in 2026 to state Sen. Joe Gruters, who has already declared his candidacy for the position and has Trump’s endorsement, although he has a history of opposition to DeSantis.
An endorsement from Trump in this election would likely play a critical role in determining the future representative. Salzman endorsed DeSantis in the primary, whereas Patronis, who had been contemplating a 2026 gubernatorial bid, remained neutral until DeSantis withdrew.
Additionally, Florida is preparing for another upcoming special election, as Trump has also selected Rep. Mike Waltz to be his national security adviser. However, this special election has not yet been scheduled since Waltz has not announced his resignation and may continue serving at the start of the new Congress next year, a common scenario for members nominated for roles in a president-elect’s administration.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
