Those were the recent words of encouragement from President-elect Donald Trump to Jimmy Patronis, who on Monday resigned his post as Florida’s chief financial officer to run to replace former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz. Patronis, 52, is a former Panama City restaurateur who has been a familiar face to Floridians for decades.

Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis is running for Congress after Matt Gaetz declined to return to the House of Representatives following withdrawing his consideration for the U.S. Attorney General post.

Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis resigned after receiving an endorsement from Donald Trump for a congressional seat. Patronis, a fourth-generation Floridian with a background in restaurant management and public service,

The preemptive endorsement is a big get for Jimmy Patronis and could give him the nudge he needs to jump into the race.

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis resigned from his position and announced his candidacy for former Rep. Matt Gaetz’s, R-Fla., seat in the 1st Congressional District on

President-elect Donald Trump has endorsed Jimmy Patronis for Florida’s 1st congressional district, the position previously held by Matt Gaetz.

The endorsement by Trump to fill the seat, once held by Matt Gaetz, prompted a local state representative to drop out of the race. Michelle Salzman stated on social media she's backing patrons after Trump's endorsement.

The endorsement caused several Republicans who publicly expressed interest in running, like Escambia County Republican State Representative Michelle Salzman, to pull out of the race.

Monday is the deadline for elected officials to submit their resignation letters if they want to run in the special election.

"Run, JIMMY, Run!" President-elect Donald Trump said when he endorsed Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis to run for Matt Gaetz' seat in Congress.