Who is Jimmy Patronis? Florida’s former CFO to replace Matt Gaetz after Trump's endorsement

US President-elect Donald Trump endorsed Florida’s former chief financial officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis for a Northwest Florida congressional seat vacated by former Rep. Matt Gaetz after he stepped down from his position during his brief run for attorney general.
Taking to his account on Truth Social, Trump said, "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 Marshall, and as an important member of the Florida Cabinet. I hear that Jimmy is now considering launching a Campaign for Congress in Florida's 1st Congressional District!"
Calling Jimmy "a wonderful friend," Trump said that Jimmy would work tirelessly alongside of me to Grow our Economy, Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Incredible Military/Vets, Restore American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.
"Should he decide to enter this Race, Jimmy Patronis has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, JIMMY, RUN!," he said.
After receiving President-elect Donald Trump's endorsement and setting off political dominoes, Patronis on Monday submitted his resignation from the Cabinet position, effective March 31.

"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 Gov. Ron DeSantis and Byrd, according to CBS News. "They are always there when we need them, and in return, we showed up for them in their time of need."

Family background
Patronis, born in a fourth-generation Floridian from Panama City, resides with his wife Katie and their two sons, Theo (13) and Johnny (11). His early career involved working at his family's well-established seafood establishment, Capt. Anderson's, in Panama City Beach, which has been a dining destination for both residents and tourists. Starting from the basic task of filling ketchup bottles, he gradually advanced to a management role. His educational background includes an associate's degree in restaurant management from Gulf Coast Community College and a bachelor's degree in political science from the Florida State University, according to his website.
His journey in public service commenced with internships at the Florida Senate and the United Kingdom's House of Commons. After completing university, he received an appointment to the Florida Elections Commission, followed by a reappointment under Governor Jeb Bush.
Political career
His political career expanded to include eight years as Northwest Florida's representative in the Florida House of Representatives.
Since 2017, Patronis has served as Florida's Chief Financial Officer, overseeing state finances, conducting departmental audits, and regulating insurance matters. His role encompasses responsibilities as state fire marshal, comptroller, and treasurer. He initially joined the cabinet during Rick Scott's governorship and continued his service under Ron DeSantis's administration.
Additionally, he served on Florida's Public Service Commission and participated in the Constitution Revision Commission, a body that convenes every two decades to suggest constitutional amendments.
His alignment with Trump's agenda has been evident in various policy matters. In a notable instance, Patronis proposed establishing a "Freedom Fighters Fund" that would allocate up to $5 million towards legal expenses for Florida's presidential candidates, Trump included. However, the proposal was ultimately vetoed by DeSantis.