A special election in Florida's 1st Congressional District between Republican Jimmy Patronis and Democrat Gay Valimont was held to determine the successor to Matt Gaetz's House seat.

Republican Jimmy Patronis beat Democrat Gay Valimont. The party also held another Florida seat in Tuesday's special election.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is projected to win the special election for Florida’s 1st Congressional District, defeating Democrat Gay Valimont, according to Decision Desk HQ. The victory allows Republicans to retain control of one of the state’s most conservative strongholds in the U.

Though the race occurred in a solidly Republican district, the contest drew national attention as one of the first post-2024 election contests and as a possible gauge of Democratic enthusiasm.

With most votes counted across the district, Patronis led with more than 55% of the vote while Valimont pulled in just under 44%. Stephen Brody, a candidate running without party affiliation, also claimed about 1% of the vote. That means Patronis will succeed former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, keeping the district in Republican hands.

Florida's departing chief financial officer fended off a Democratic rival Tuesday to win the U.S. House seat previously held by GOP firebrand Matt Gaetz, according to AP. Why it matters: Jimmy Patronis' victory helps shore up the GOP's narrow House minority,

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis was has won the special election to replace former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) in the 1st Congressional District, defeating Democrat Gay Valimont,

Jimmy Patronis, a mainstay in Tallahassee who rose to the statewide post of chief financial officer, is headed to Congress according to the Associated Press after voters in Matt Gaetz’s former district picked him to replace the firebrand.