This month saw former Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz resign his seat in Congress after being nominated to serve as attorney general by President-elect Donald Trump.

While Gaetz ultimately withdrew his nomination, Trump has since revealed his choice for the lawmaker's replacement. 

Trump wants Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis to take Gaetz' seat

According to the Washington Examiner, Trump announced in a Truth Social post on Monday that he is backing Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis.

"As your next congressman, Jimmy would work tirelessly alongside of me to Grow our Economy, Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Incredible Military/Vets, Restore American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment," the president elect wrote.

"Should he decide to enter this Race, Jimmy Patronis has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, JIMMY, RUN!" he added.

Earlier in the post, Trump praised Patronis for having "done a tremendous job as CFO" and referred to him as "an important member of the Florida Cabinet."

Patronis resigned as Florida's CFO hours after being endorsed by Trump

Several hours after Trump's post was put up, CBS News reported that Patronis tendered his resignation as Florida's CFO, effective March 31.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis announced Monday he will run for a Northwest Florida congressional seat vacated by former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz. He then resigned as chief financial officer, effective March 31.
https://t.co/l2FVmzYtuN

— CBS News Miami (@CBSMiami) November 25, 2024

"Together, we have worked with the Florida Legislature to provide benefits for mental health and cancer for Florida's first responders," Patronis wrote in his resignation letter to Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.

CBS News noted that Florida state Republican Rep. Michelle Salzman was quick to throw her support behind Patronis in a social media post of her own.

However, Florida state Republican Rep. Joel Rudman indicated his desire to challenge Patronis for the GOP nomination, saying that voters "deserve a strong field of candidates and a robust Republican debate."

Patronis accused Democrats of "weaponizing the courts" against Trump

The Examiner reported that Gov. DeSantis has set a primary election date of January 28 and scheduled a special election for April 1.

It also pointed out that Patronis has been a vocal supporter of Trump, as seen from a social media post put up this past January.

In it, Florida's CFO accused Democrats of "weaponizing the courts" against Trump, something he denounced as being "outrageous."