With the resignation of Matt Gaetz, there is a special election on the horizon to decide who will represent northwest Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives. As of Dec. 5, there are 13 candidates vying for the seat, including State Rep. Dr. Joel Rudman, Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis, and 2024 Democratic candidate for U.S. House district 1, Jennifer Gay Valimont.
On Monday, Dec. 9, citizens within the first Congressional district will get the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates at a campaign forum hosted by Republican Executive Committees of Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties. The event will be held at Emerald Waterfront (formerly known as The Grillehouse) on Highway 98 in Navarre (8491 Navarre Parkway) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
