Republican Jimmy Patronis projected to win special election to replace Matt Gaetz: AP

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis on Tuesday is projected to win a special election to replace former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., in the state's First Congressional District.

The Associated Press called the race for Patronis at 8:20 p.m. Eastern. He defeated Democrat Gay Valimont. 

Patronis has secured 57% of the vote as of 9:45 p.m. Eastern, compared to Valimont's 42.2%. More than 95% of the votes have been counted. 

Valimont previously challenged Gaetz in November, but was soundly defeated. The seat became open after Gaetz resigned to pursue his nomination as attorney general, which ultimately did not pan out.

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.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.