Florida has set a special election date of April 1, 2025, to fill the 1st Congressional District seat vacated by Matt Gaetz, launching a competitive race in the deep-red district. Gaetz, a staunch ally of President-elect Donald Trump, resigned from Congress following Trump’s announcement of plans to nominate him as Attorney General.
Gaetz Steps Down Amid Controversy
Gaetz withdrew from consideration for the attorney general position on Thursday, citing the “distraction” of an upcoming confirmation process tied to allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use — claims he has denied. Trump has since announced Pam Bondi, a former Florida attorney general, as his new pick for the role.
In an interview with Charlie Kirk on Friday, Gaetz confirmed he would not return to Congress. “Eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress,” he said, emphasizing his continued loyalty to Trump.
Key Dates for the Election
The race to replace Gaetz will move quickly. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis scheduled the primary election for January 28, leaving a narrow window for candidates to mobilize. The state will follow legal requirements to ensure overseas ballots and other procedural steps are met.
“At Gov. DeSantis’ direction, this special election is being conducted as quickly as statutorily possible,” Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd stated.
Republican Candidates Jockey for Position
The Republican primary will likely determine the district’s next representative due to its solid GOP voting base.
Several candidates have already entered the race:
- State Rep. Michelle Salzman officially filed her candidacy, positioning herself as a supporter of DeSantis during the governor’s presidential campaign.
- Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is considering a run, framing his potential campaign as a chance to “fight the swamp” and “end lawfare.”
- State Rep. Joel Rudman declared his candidacy Friday, aligning himself closely with Trump’s platform.
DeSantis Chief of Staff James Uthmeier is also rumored to be a contender.
Trump’s Influence Looms Large
Trump’s endorsement is expected to carry significant weight in the primary. Salzman has ties to DeSantis, while Patronis remained neutral during the governor’s presidential bid but later aligned with Trump.
If Patronis enters the race and wins, DeSantis would have the opportunity to appoint his replacement, potentially impacting the 2026 state elections.
Another Florida Special Election on the Horizon
Florida will also see another special election soon, as Trump has tapped Rep. Mike Waltz to be his national security adviser. However, Waltz has not yet announced his resignation, meaning the timeline for that race remains uncertain.
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