A.G. Gancarski
Former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz had little trouble in the First Congressional District in General Elections.
But that was then, this is now.
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is sounding the alarm about his Special Election that wraps up Tuesday, describing dynamics that have turned a seat seen as safe Republican into a jump ball headed into April 1 and the counting of the votes.
“I’ve never been outspent in a race before. They’re out spending me seven to one. dollars are coming in from all over the country and it’s crazy. My opponent has so much money,” Patronis said on Saturday’s “Fox and Friends Weekend.”
Indeed, Democrat Gay Valimont (who Gaetz defeated handily in November) has brought in more than $6 million to the Panhandle seat.
That’s four times what Patronis raised.
And she’s using the money to target Republican voters in a way that usually doesn’t happen, the candidate laments.
“She’s even chasing Republican potential voters depicting herself as being tough on China, standing up for Social Security … helping people with their gun rights. They’ve got so much money that this is what they’re doing in order to change the balance of power in Congress,” Patronis said.
Valimont will need to bring a lot of Republicans aboard to have any chance. CD 1 has roughly 312,000 of them, while less than 119,000 Democrats are registered.
“If they don’t show up to vote today and on Tuesday, it’s going to be a very tight race,” Patronis said. “Too close for me.”
17 comments
Peachy
March 29, 2025 at 8:03 am
Hey Gancarski, did Nikki Fried ask you to write this propaganda piece? She still wont go out with you.
Skeptic
March 29, 2025 at 12:39 pm
I think Nikki went on Fox in disguise to says all f the things attributed to Patronis.
Mimi Vanderberg-Mustardseed
March 29, 2025 at 8:07 am
Scorsch and his minions like Gancarski are just having a day fantasizing about these Dem power grabs. If Gaetz could win that seat, whilst under investigation for pedophilic sex trafficking, drug use, and also looking like a washed out Johnny Knoxville impersonator, there is no way that a Republican who is somewhat normal and less controversial loses it. Sorry boys.
Peachy
March 29, 2025 at 8:14 am
Not even the phony scientist and college boy humping Rebekah Jones stood a chance.
Ocean Joe
March 29, 2025 at 11:23 am
But you guys were ready to make Gaetz the next governor because Trump wanted it.
Florida Oakler
March 30, 2025 at 10:14 pm
Right & his friend got 11 years, & FBI dropped his charges, the frat boy still has daddy’s money.
JR Frosty
March 31, 2025 at 10:50 am
“Dem power grabs” like trying to win elections lmao. The reality is that there are dems all over the country that can work with Republicans and moderates on 2A issues, and will actually stand up for the institutions that are being shredded like the SSA.
Deborah Ryan
March 29, 2025 at 10:20 am
Good for Gay! The GOP can blame this on Suzie Wiles!!
Maxine Derkatch
March 29, 2025 at 10:45 am
AS Florida CFO, Patronis oversaw the ripping off of Floridians by insurance companies – his biggest donors. And Trump and Musk have slashed veteran services and jobs – FL-1 is home to more veterans than any other Florida county. Don’t reward Republican evil. Patronis DOESN’T EVEN LIVE IN THE DISTRICT and hasn’t even bothered to phone in a campaign. Gay Valimont is a smart, compassionate and motivated candidate. Vote for her!
Nurse Nancy
March 29, 2025 at 11:02 am
Indeed, and do not forget to check your 401k. Mine is evaporating due to the market crash from the adverse policies and chaos caused by the regime running the country. Time to vote to oppose the policies jeopardizing our lives. Valimont will be best for us. NN
Independent Floridian
March 31, 2025 at 2:27 pm
If your 401k is tanking than you need to adjust your investments. You or your broker are not managing risk properly and you need to take action. You’re somehow linking this fact with the election of a representative as if he/she will somehow negate your poor investment choices. Learn how the market works and your 401k before you post scare statements on here.
Florida Oakler
March 30, 2025 at 10:19 pm
Yes!! VOTE for Gay Valimont
a Real Floridian who LIVES HERE & understands our Florida & it’s people
Ocean Joe
March 29, 2025 at 11:16 am
These articles about Patronis and Fine are just efforts to gin up Republican turn out using fear. Fear that the respective districts wont send a pair of Trump stooges to Washington to continue dismantling our foreign, economic, environmental and domestic policies. Even FEMA is going. Who will Florida beg for money next hurricane season?
Patronis seems to be a nice guy, always in over his head, and Fine seems to be a vile character better suited to settling somebody else’s land on the West Bank. But count on Republicans to send them both to Washington along with thoughts and prayers anyway.
Florida Oakler
March 30, 2025 at 10:07 pm
May the best Woman win ! Florida wants a FLORIDIAN in the House Not a POSER. Stop allowing folks WHO don’t LIVE HERE WIN.
Do you care about FLORIDIA show your LOVE for Florida vote for Gay Valimont.
just sayin
March 31, 2025 at 7:37 am
A journalist quoting the actual candidate saying he’s in trouble is not an example of media bias. There are plenty of other examples out there, but this isn’t it.
wake up MAGAotts
March 31, 2025 at 9:43 am
Seems like fair reporting to quote a candidate for office. Some commentators have apparently consumed the GOP kool aid that anything published that remotely suggests that they are not deserving of total control warrants jail time, summary deportation, impeachment or death- take your pick. Meanwhile they worship a convicted felon, sexual batterer, pathological liar, grifter who poops in his pants.
Cora
March 31, 2025 at 12:31 pm
Vote for Valimont! Tuesday is Tariffs day and your 401k is going to sink like the titanic unless you find a lifeboat.