
Florida’s 1st Congressional District: Who Will Replace Matt Gaetz? 🗳️
The race to fill Florida’s 1st Congressional District seat is officially underway! Following Matt Gaetz’s resignation in November 2024, a special election has been called to determine his successor. Gaetz, who initially resigned after being nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for U.S. Attorney General, later withdrew from consideration for the position. His departure leaves the district unrepresented for at least 12 weeks in the 119th Congress, a critical time for the Republican Party’s narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Here’s everything you need to know about the candidates, key dates, and the stakes in this high-profile race.
Key Election Dates 🗓️
- Primary Election: January 28, 2025
- General Election: April 1, 2025
Meet the Candidates: A Diverse Field
A total of 16 candidates have qualified for the special election, including 10 Republicans, one Democrat, one independent, and four write-ins. Here’s a breakdown of the contenders:
Republican Candidates
- Jimmy Patronis: The former Florida Chief Financial Officer has secured an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump. Patronis resigned his statewide role to pursue this Congressional seat.
- Joel Rudman: A physician and former state representative from Navarre, Rudman brands himself as the “heir apparent” to this seat.
- Kevin Gaffney: An educator with a robust legal and government service background, Gaffney currently teaches American government and economics in Niceville.
- Greg Merk: A businessman from Pensacola who previously ran for the Florida House in 2018.
- John Mills: A retired Navy pilot and former political candidate with a strong focus on veteran issues.
- Jeff Peacock: An entrepreneur, educator, and former senior campaign advisor. Peacock has worked closely with President-elect Trump’s EPA nominee.
- Michael Dylan Thompson: At just 25, this Pensacola native and former high school valedictorian could become the youngest member of Congress.
- Gene Valentino: A businessman, podcaster, and former Escambia County Commissioner known for his local engagement.
- Aaron Dimmock: A retired fighter pilot with roots at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Dimmock previously challenged Gaetz in the Republican primary.
- Jeff Macey: A resident of Fort Walton Beach, though his campaign presence has been limited.
Democratic Candidate
- Gay Valimont: A progressive candidate and former challenger to Gaetz, Valimont is focusing her campaign on fresh ideas and a new vision for the district.
No-Party Candidate
- Stephen Broden: Former vice-presidential nominee for the Constitution Party and pastor from Texas with a constitutionalist platform.
Write-In Candidates
- Richard Paul Dembinsky: A perennial candidate with multiple campaign bids for various offices across Florida.
- Stanley Gray: Known for his grassroots campaigning with handmade signs across the district.
- Jonathan Green: A Pensacola-based project manager and mediator with a focus on community development.
- Stan McDaniels: A former Libertarian and frequent candidate for local offices, now running as a write-in.
What’s at Stake for the District? 🔑
Florida’s 1st Congressional District is a historically Republican stronghold, making the GOP primary a critical event. While the Republican candidate is heavily favored to win the general election, the vacancy leaves a significant gap in representation during a period of heightened political importance.
The district’s next representative will face the challenge of balancing local priorities with national policy, all while maintaining the trust and confidence of constituents in a politically charged environment.
Community Spotlight 🌟
This special election is about more than just replacing a name on the ballot—it’s about selecting a leader who will represent the district’s values and priorities on the national stage. With candidates offering a variety of experiences and platforms, voters have a unique opportunity to shape the future of Northwest Florida.
What Do You Think?
What do you think about the candidates and their platforms? Who do you believe is the best fit to represent Florida’s 1st Congressional District? Let us know your thoughts!
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