Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis Wins Republican Primary

Florida’s chief financial officer, Jimmy Patronis, is likely headed to Congress.

On Jan. 28, Patronis won the Republican primary for Florida’s 1st Congressional District, setting him up to face Democratic candidate Gay Valimont in the upcoming general election on April 1. The district, covering Pensacola and the western panhandle, is the most Republican-leaning in Florida according to the Cook Political Report.

Patronis formally submitted a letter of resignation to Gov. Ron DeSantis and Secretary of State Cord Byrd in November, letting them know of his intent to run for Congress and that his last day as CFO would be March 31. DeSantis will appoint a new CFO to finish Patronis’ term, which ends on Jan. 5, 2027.

Patronis was first appointed CFO by former Gov. Rick Scott in 2017, replacing former state CFO Jeff Atwater.

During his tenure, Patronis oversaw various efforts, including the Planning, Accounting and Ledger Management Project, which aims to streamline financial management across all state agencies.

The project launched in 2021 and is set to go live in January 2026.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as Florida’s CFO for nearly eight years,” Patronis wrote in his letter to Gov. DeSantis. “Together, we have worked with the Florida Legislature to provide benefits for mental health and cancer for Florida’s first responders. They are always there when we need them, and in return, we showed up for them in their time of need. I was proud to lead our Florida Urban Search and Rescue Teams to respond to multiple hurricanes and even the deadly Surfside Building Collapse.”