Rep. Matt Gaetz (Source: TFP File Photo) Florida lawmakers and other potential candidates face a rapidly approaching deadline to decide whether to
Florida lawmakers and other potential candidates face a rapidly approaching deadline to decide whether to run for the Congressional District 1 seat vacated by former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration announced special election dates on Friday to fill the open position.
Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced that the special primary election will be held on January 28, with the special general election set for April 1. Candidates must qualify between December 5 at 8 a.m. and noon on December 6. Elected officials seeking to run for the seat must submit notices of resignation by November 25, though the resignations do not have to take immediate effect.
READ: Florida Attorney General Charges Organized Crime Ring For Retail Theft Spree
“At Gov. Ron DeSantis’ direction, this special election is being conducted as quickly as possible,” Byrd said in a press release Friday. “We are committed to ensuring this election is held as soon as we are allowed to hold it by state law.”
Congressional District 1 includes all or parts of Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties. Several candidates have already declared their intention to run, including:
- State Rep. Michelle Salzman (R-Pensacola)
- State Rep. Joel Rudman (R-Navarre)
- Former assistant state attorney Keith Gross
Former Escambia County Commissioner Gene Valentino also announced his candidacy on Friday. Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has indicated he is considering entering the race.
The seat became vacant after Matt Gaetz resigned on November 13, the day he was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as U.S. Attorney General. Gaetz later withdrew from consideration for the post on Thursday, prompting speculation about whether he might run for the seat again.
Voter registration deadlines for the special elections are as follows:
- December 30 for the special primary election
- March 3 for the special general election
This election will determine who will represent the heavily Republican district, ensuring continued representation for Northwest Florida as the 119th Congress convenes.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
