Greek-American Rep. Jimmy Patronis secured his first full term in Congress on Tuesday, Nov. 3, defeating Democrat Gay Valimont in Florida’s 1st Congressional District and retaining a Republican seat in the western Panhandle.
With 99% of the expected vote reported in its tally, he had 62.7%, compared with Valimont’s 35.5%. No-party candidate Tyler L. Davis received 1.8%. The results remained unofficial and subject to certification.
Patronis first won the seat in an April 2025 special election following the resignation of former Rep. Matt Gaetz. Tuesday’s victory gives the former Florida chief financial officer a full two-year term beginning in January.
Patronis defeats Valimont in a rematch
The contest brought Patronis and Valimont together again after their 2025 race. Patronis entered the rematch with experience in Congress as well as a long career in Florida government.
President Donald Trump had encouraged Patronis to run for the vacant seat in November 2024, giving him an early endorsement. Patronis has remained a supporter of the president’s agenda. During the campaign, Patronis emphasized tax cuts, limits on federal spending, military investment and support for businesses and first responders.
Valimont focused on household costs, insurance affordability and access to health care. Her campaign proposals included a full-service Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in Northwest Florida, lower prescription drug costs and expanded support for military families.
From the family restaurant to Florida’s Cabinet
Patronis, 54, was born in Panama City and grew up working in his family’s restaurant business. His official biography describes early jobs that included clearing tables, taking out trash and greeting customers. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in 1996 and served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2014.
He subsequently joined the Florida Public Service Commission. Then-Gov. Rick Scott appointed him chief financial officer in 2017. Patronis later won statewide elections to retain the Cabinet position and held it until his move to Congress in 2025. The office also made him Florida’s state fire marshal.
In the current Congress, he serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Small Business Committee. His subcommittee assignments include aviation, maritime matters, water resources and business regulation.
Greek roots and work with fellow Greek-American lawmakers
Patronis has publicly emphasized his Greek heritage. In a 2023 Greek Independence Day statement, he expressed pride in his family’s background and “the strong bond between Greece and the United States.”
His first period in Congress included cooperation with other Greek-American lawmakers on Eastern Mediterranean policy. In June, he joined Gus Bilirakis, Mike Haridopolos and Nicole Malliotakis in raising concerns about a proposed U.S. military sale to Turkey.
The lawmakers questioned a proposed jet-engine sale and opposed Turkey’s return to the F-35 program without compliance with U.S. sanctions requirements, citing concerns about Ankara’s regional policies.
Patronis’ victory came alongside the reelections of Florida’s two other Greek-American House members: Bilirakis in the 12th District and Haridopolos in the 8th District.
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