politics Archive

Santa Rosa County officials say they are bracing for tough budget decisions as they update a long‑range strategic plan that will guide infrastructure, growth and county services over the next decade. Rising costs, slowing revenue growth and uncertainty from state legislation could strain future funding, leaders warned.

As the U.S. House of Representatives and the rest of the nation wrapped up 2025, Santa Rosa Press Gazette spoke with Jimmy Patronis, the Republican representative of Florida’s 1st Congressional District, about his expectations and legislative priorities for 2026.

2026 will serve as an opportunity for many Floridians to elect new leaders or reaffirm their satisfaction with those already representing them in local, state and federal offices.
In Santa Rosa County, primary elections are set for Aug. 18, with early voting from Aug. 3 to Aug. 15. The general election will be held Nov. 3, with early voting from Oct. 19 to Oct. 31.

Northwest Florida has a new representative in Washington, D.C.

Jimmy Patronis, the Republican nominee for U.S. House District 1, defeated Democratic candidate Gay Valimont Tuesday, April 1 to replace Matt Gaetz.

The sheriffs of four counties in Florida’s 1st Congressional District have endorsed Jimmy Patronis in his run for Congress. Sheriff Chip Simmons of Escambia, Sheriff Bob Johnson of Santa Rosa, Sheriff Eric Aden of Okaloosa, and Sheriff Michael Adkinson Jr. of Walton County announced their support for the Florida Chief Financial Officer’s campaign on Dec. 20.

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. 

Over 111,500 voters came out to cast ballots in Santa Rosa County this election. With a voter turnout of 77.97%, Santa Rosa residents made their voices heard on several issues and in a litany of races across the region and state.

Politics can be a vicious sport, causing frustration and a desire to give it up. According to State Rep. Dr. Joel Rudman (R-Navarre), this past session has been one frustration after another. Despite this, he said he isn’t ready to step aside.

Earlier today, former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records after being indicted last week by a Manhattan grand jury.

Parental rights in education have become a massive issue politically, not just in Florida, but across the country. One group is helping lead that charge.

Moms for Liberty, a nonprofit advocacy group based in Melbourne, Florida, has campaigned against COVID-19 restrictions in schools, school curriculums that mention critical race theory or gender ideology and some chapters have campaigned to remove certain books that address gender or sexuality from school libraries.