Florida announces special election to replace Gaetz in April and primary in January

Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd on Friday announced A special election to replace former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz will be held next April, with the primary to be held in January.

Gaets resigned from Congress last week after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him to lead the Justice Department. However, since then he took his name out of consideration to become attorney general and said he has no intention of trying to regain his House seat next year.

Byrd said the primary will be held on January 28, 2025, and the general election will be held on April 1.

“At the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis, this special election is being conducted as quickly as legally possible,” Byrd said in a statement. “We are committed to ensuring that this election can take place as soon as we are permitted to do so under state law.”

DeSantis is also expected to name a replacement in January for Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, who would resign early to become U.S. secretary of state if confirmed by Congress.

Several prominent Republicans in the state have already announced their interest in pursuing Gatz’s seat, including state Reps. Michelle Saltzman and Joel Rudman. Former U.S. Army Capt. John Frankman has also announced his candidacy.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said he is “firmly considering” running for the position. The Hill reports this.

Misty Severy is the evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.