2025 Florida's 1st congressional district special election

2025 Florida's 1st congressional district special election
Florida's 1st congressional district
Incumbent U.S. Representative; Matt Gaetz; Republican	; ;

The 2025 Florida's 1st congressional district special election will be held on April 1, 2025^[1] to fill a vacant seat in Florida's 1st congressional district previously occupied by Matt Gaetz, who resigned on November 13, 2024, after president-elect Donald Trump nominated him for attorney general of the United States.^[2] Gaetz later withdrew his nomination for attorney general on November 21.^[3] The following day, Gaetz announced he would not return to Congress. Primary elections will take place on January 28, 2025.^[4] As a deeply red, mostly rural district, it is considered safely Republican.

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

Kevin Gaffney, teacher^[5]
Greg Merk, pilot and candidate for this district in 2020 and 2022^[5]
Nathan Nelson, former director of military affairs for Matt Gaetz^[6]
Jimmy Patronis, outgoing Chief Financial Officer of Florida (2017–2025)^[a]^[7]
Bernadette Pittman, construction company CEO^[5]
Joel Rudman, former state representative from the 3rd district (2022–2024)^[8]
Michael Dylan Thompson, attorney^[9]
Gene Valentino, former Escambia County commissioner^[10]
Jeff Witt, pilot^[11]

Filed paperwork

Clayton Johnston, former correctional officer^[12]
Uloma Ekpete Kama, epidemiologist and perennial candidate^[5]
Cindy Meadows, former Walton County commissioner^[13]
Christopher Slater^[14]

Publicly expressed interest

Aaron Dimmock, director for leadership programs at the University of West Florida's AWKO Center for Leadership and candidate for this district in 2024^[15]
Ashton Hayward, former Mayor of Pensacola (2011–2018)^[16]

Potential

Grover Robinson, former Mayor of Pensacola (2018–2022)^[17]
James Uthmeier, chief of staff to governor Ron DeSantis^[18]

Withdrawn

John Frankman, former Green Beret (endorsed Patronis)^[19]
Keith Gross, former assistant state attorney for Florida's 18th circuit court and candidate for U.S. senate in 2024 (endorsed Patronis)^[19]
Michelle Salzman, state representative from the 1st district (2020–present) (endorsed Patronis)^[20]

Declined

Alex Andrade, state representative from the 2nd district (2018–present)^[16]
Doug Broxson, former state senator from the 1st district (2016–2024)^[21]
Don Gaetz, state senator from the 1st district (2006–2016, 2024–present), former President of the Florida Senate (2012–2014), and father of Matt Gaetz^[17]
Matt Gaetz, former U.S. Representative from this district (2017–2024)^[22]
D. C. Reeves, Mayor of Pensacola (2022–present)^[16]
Frank White, former state representative from the 2nd district (2016–2018) (endorsed Patronis)^[23]

Endorsements

Jimmy Patronis

Executive branch officials

Donald Trump, 45th president of the United States (2017–2021)^[24]

State legislators

Michelle Salzman, state representative from the 1st district (2020–present)^[20]
Frank White, former state representative from the 2nd district (2016–2018)^[23]

Judicial branch officials

Keith Gross, former assistant state attorney for Florida's 18th circuit court^[19]

Gene Valentino

Executive branch officials

Tom Homan, former Acting Director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (2017–2018)^[25]

Jeff Witt

Executive branch officials

Robert Wilkie, former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (2018–2021)^[11]

Individuals

Stanley Clarke, former director of the Air National Guard^[11]

Declined to endorse

U.S. representatives

Matt Gaetz, former U.S. representative from this district (2017–2024)^[26]

State legislators

Don Gaetz, state senator from the 1st district (2006–2016, 2024–present), former President of the Florida Senate (2012–2014), and father of Matt Gaetz^[26]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

Stanley Gray, retiree^[5]
Gay Valimont, athletic trainer and nominee for this district in 2024^[27]

Filed paperwork

C. Marcel Davis, pastor^[5]

Independents

Candidates

Filed paperwork

Tevin Channing Minus, speech language pathologist^[28]

Publicly expressed interest

Bobby Wagner, Mayor of Destin^[17]

Notes

^ Patronis submitted his resignation from his current office when he announced his campaign, which is set to become effective on March 31, 2025.

References

^ "Special Election set to replace Matt Gaetz". Florida Politics. November 22, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
^ Beavers, Olivia; Carney, Jordain (November 13, 2024). "Gaetz resigns from Congress". Politico. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
^ Breuninger, Kevin (November 21, 2024). "Trump AG pick Matt Gaetz says he's withdrawing". CNBC. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
^ Manchester, Julia (November 22, 2024). "DeSantis sets special election for Gaetz seat". The Hill. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Little, Jim (November 26, 2024). "Special election to replace Matt Gaetz taking shape, with more than dozen candidates". Pensacola News Journal. Retrieved November 27, 2024.
^ Ogles, Jacob (November 25, 2024). "Nathan Nelson looks to follow former boss Matt Gaetz into Congress". Florida Politics. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
^ Ogles, Jacob (November 25, 2024). "Jimmy Patronis officially resigns as Chief Financial Officer". Florida Politics. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
^ "Rudman announces intention to join congressional race, resigns as state representative". WEAR-TV. November 25, 2024. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
^ Saul, Christopher (November 20, 2024). "Matt Gaetz Resigned… Now What? How We Elect A New Representative". Mid Bay News. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
^ Ogles, Jacob (November 23, 2024). "Gene Valentino announces campaign to succeed Matt Gaetz". Florida Politics. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
^ ^a ^b ^c Ogles, Jacob (November 25, 2024). "Jeff Witt latest veteran to enter fight for Matt Gaetz's congressional seat". Florida Politics. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
^ "FEC Form 2 for Report FEC-1848953". docquery.fec.gov. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
^ "FEC Form 2 for Report FEC-1848754". docquery.fec.gov. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
^ "FEC Form 2 for Report FEC-1849033". docquery.fec.gov. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
^ Emily Brooks (November 14, 2024). "Former primary challenger to Gaetz considering bid for now-open seat". The Hill.
^ ^a ^b ^c Little, Jim (November 14, 2024). "Campaign to replace Matt Gaetz in Congress starting to take shape". Pensacola News Journal. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
^ ^a ^b ^c Strickland, T.S. (November 15, 2024). "Gaetz resignation sparks political shake-up in Northwest Florida". WUWF. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
^ Taylor, Janelle (November 14, 2024). "With Matt Gaetz tapped for AG, who could fill his congressional seat?". Florida Politics. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
^ ^a ^b ^c Cooper, Amber Jo (November 25, 2024). "Multiple candidates drop out after Patronis lands Trump endorsement". Florida's Voice. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
^ ^a ^b Little, Jim (November 25, 2024). "Michelle Salzman drops out after Trump backs Jimmy Patronis to fill Matt Gaetz's seat". Pensacola News Journal. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
^ Ogles, Jacob (November 21, 2024). "Doug Broxson won't run to succeed Matt Gaetz in Congress". Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
^ Brooks, Emily (November 22, 2024). "Gaetz says he will not return to Congress". The Hill. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
^ ^a ^b Strickland, T.S. (November 25, 2024). "Niceville fighter pilot Jeff Witt seeks Matt Gaetz's former congressional seat". WUWF. Retrieved November 27, 2024. Former Rep. Frank White, who'd also been discussed as a possible successor to Gaetz, had already endorsed Patronis last week.
^ Jaramillo, Alejandra (November 25, 2024). "Trump endorses Jimmy Patronis to fill Gaetz's seat in the House". CNN. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
^ Ogles, Jacob (November 26, 2024). "Incoming Border Czar endorses Gene Valentino in CD 1 race". Florida Politics. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
^ ^a ^b Gancarski, A.G. (November 16, 2024). "Exclusive: Matt Gaetz, Don Gaetz aren't endorsing in CD 1 GOP Primary". Florida Politics. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
^ Ogles, Jacob (November 18, 2024). "Gay Valimont announces another CD 1 run days after losing to Matt Gaetz". Florida Politics. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
^ "Candidate Tracking system - Florida Division of Elections - Department of State". dos.elections.myflorida.com. Retrieved November 25, 2024.

External links

[7] Patronis submitted his resignation from his current office when he announced his campaign, which is set to become effective on March 31, 2025.

[1] "Special Election set to replace Matt Gaetz". Florida Politics. November 22, 2024. Retrieved November 22, 2024.

[2] Beavers, Olivia; Carney, Jordain (November 13, 2024). "Gaetz resigns from Congress". Politico. Retrieved November 13, 2024.

[3] Breuninger, Kevin (November 21, 2024). "Trump AG pick Matt Gaetz says he's withdrawing". CNBC. Retrieved November 21, 2024.

[4] Manchester, Julia (November 22, 2024). "DeSantis sets special election for Gaetz seat". The Hill. Retrieved November 22, 2024.

[shape-5] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Little, Jim (November 26, 2024). "Special election to replace Matt Gaetz taking shape, with more than dozen candidates". Pensacola News Journal. Retrieved November 27, 2024.

[6] Ogles, Jacob (November 25, 2024). "Nathan Nelson looks to follow former boss Matt Gaetz into Congress". Florida Politics. Retrieved November 26, 2024.

[8] Ogles, Jacob (November 25, 2024). "Jimmy Patronis officially resigns as Chief Financial Officer". Florida Politics. Retrieved November 25, 2024.

[9] "Rudman announces intention to join congressional race, resigns as state representative". WEAR-TV. November 25, 2024. Retrieved November 26, 2024.

[10] Saul, Christopher (November 20, 2024). "Matt Gaetz Resigned… Now What? How We Elect A New Representative". Mid Bay News. Retrieved November 21, 2024.

[11] Ogles, Jacob (November 23, 2024). "Gene Valentino announces campaign to succeed Matt Gaetz". Florida Politics. Retrieved November 23, 2024.

[Witt-12] Ogles, Jacob (November 25, 2024). "Jeff Witt latest veteran to enter fight for Matt Gaetz's congressional seat". Florida Politics. Retrieved November 26, 2024.

[13] "FEC Form 2 for Report FEC-1848953". docquery.fec.gov. Retrieved November 15, 2024.

[14] "FEC Form 2 for Report FEC-1848754". docquery.fec.gov. Retrieved November 16, 2024.

[15] "FEC Form 2 for Report FEC-1849033". docquery.fec.gov. Retrieved November 18, 2024.

[16] Emily Brooks (November 14, 2024). "Former primary challenger to Gaetz considering bid for now-open seat". The Hill.

[Shape-17] Little, Jim (November 14, 2024). "Campaign to replace Matt Gaetz in Congress starting to take shape". Pensacola News Journal. Retrieved November 18, 2024.

[Shake-up-18] Strickland, T.S. (November 15, 2024). "Gaetz resignation sparks political shake-up in Northwest Florida". WUWF. Retrieved November 19, 2024.

[Tapped-19] Taylor, Janelle (November 14, 2024). "With Matt Gaetz tapped for AG, who could fill his congressional seat?". Florida Politics. Retrieved November 14, 2024.

[multiple-20] Cooper, Amber Jo (November 25, 2024). "Multiple candidates drop out after Patronis lands Trump endorsement". Florida's Voice. Retrieved November 25, 2024.

[salzman-21] Little, Jim (November 25, 2024). "Michelle Salzman drops out after Trump backs Jimmy Patronis to fill Matt Gaetz's seat". Pensacola News Journal. Retrieved November 25, 2024.

[22] Ogles, Jacob (November 21, 2024). "Doug Broxson won't run to succeed Matt Gaetz in Congress". Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. Retrieved November 22, 2024.

[23] Brooks, Emily (November 22, 2024). "Gaetz says he will not return to Congress". The Hill. Retrieved November 22, 2024.

[fighter-24] Strickland, T.S. (November 25, 2024). "Niceville fighter pilot Jeff Witt seeks Matt Gaetz's former congressional seat". WUWF. Retrieved November 27, 2024. Former Rep. Frank White, who'd also been discussed as a possible successor to Gaetz, had already endorsed Patronis last week.

[25] Jaramillo, Alejandra (November 25, 2024). "Trump endorses Jimmy Patronis to fill Gaetz's seat in the House". CNN. Retrieved November 25, 2024.

[26] Ogles, Jacob (November 26, 2024). "Incoming Border Czar endorses Gene Valentino in CD 1 race". Florida Politics. Retrieved November 26, 2024.

[Gaetz-27] Gancarski, A.G. (November 16, 2024). "Exclusive: Matt Gaetz, Don Gaetz aren't endorsing in CD 1 GOP Primary". Florida Politics. Retrieved November 16, 2024.

[28] Ogles, Jacob (November 18, 2024). "Gay Valimont announces another CD 1 run days after losing to Matt Gaetz". Florida Politics. Retrieved November 18, 2024.

[29] "Candidate Tracking system - Florida Division of Elections - Department of State". dos.elections.myflorida.com. Retrieved November 25, 2024.

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Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

Filed paperwork

Publicly expressed interest

Potential

Withdrawn

Declined

Endorsements

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

Filed paperwork

Independents

Candidates

Filed paperwork

Publicly expressed interest

See also

Notes

References

External links