President-elect Donald Trump has urged Greek-American politician Jimmy Patronis to run in Florida for a Congressional seat, recently vacated by Matt Gaetz.
Patronis is well-known in Florida’s political and civic circles and has garnered national attention after receiving endorsement from Trump.
“Jimmy Patronis, Chief Financial Officer for the Great State of Florida, has done a tremendous job as CFO, where he also serves as the State’s Fire Marshal, and as an important member of the Florida Cabinet,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The President-elect also praised Patronis for aligning with key conservative priorities and urged him to run, declaring, “Should he decide to enter this Race, Jimmy Patronis has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, JIMMY, RUN!”
Patronis replied to Trump accepting the challenge: “Put me to work, Mr President. I am here to serve.”
Trump tapped Waltz to serve as national security advisor. Waltz submitted his resignation from Congressional District 6 on Monday, according to Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd. Patronis, however, submitted his resignation from the Cabinet position, effective March 31st, on Monday, as well.
“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 Go. Ron DeSantis and Byrd.
“They are always there when we need them, and in return, we showed up for them in their time of need,” he maintained.
Jimmy Patronis: I’m proud of my family’s rich Greek heritage
The 52-year-old Greek-American politician is the former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the state of Florida. He was previously a member of the Florida House of Representatives representing the 6th district, which includes Panama City and other parts of southern Bay County, from 2006 to 2014.
In 2023, CFO Patronis issued a proclamation ahead of Greek Independence Day highlighting the strong ties between Greece, the United States, and the state of Florida.
He said:
“As a Greek American, I’m proud of my family’s rich Greek heritage and the strong bond between Greece and the United States. As we celebrate Greece’s freedom this weekend, I wish all of our Greek Floridians and Greek brothers and sisters across the world a Happy Greek Independence Day—Ζήτω η Ελλάδα!”
Patronis was born in Panama City, Florida on April 13, 1972. He attended Gulf Coast Community College, where he graduated with his associate degree in restaurant management in 1994, and Florida State University, where he graduated with his bachelor degree in political science in 1996.
Patronis and his family have run Captain Anderson’s, a historic seafood restaurant in Panama City, for over 50 years. He is currently a partner in the business.
Related: Greek Americans Win Seats in Congress
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