Jimmy Patronis Bows Out of 2016 Senate Race

In a stunner, Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City, announced on Monday that he would not run for the Florida Senate in 2016. Patronis said he wanted to spend more time with his family. Patronis faces term limits for his House seat in 2014.

Patronis was set up to clash in the Republican primary against Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Shalimar, for the seat currently held by Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach.

Republicans are clearly relieved they wont have a nasty primary in 2016.

Representative Patronis has been an incredible ally in our mission to improve the quality of life for families in the Sunshine State, Gov. Rick Scott said in a statement on Monday. Thanks to his hard work, Florida families today have access to more jobs, a better education system and a lower cost of living. We have worked together to deliver incredible wins for Florida families -- by eliminating the tax on manufacturing equipment that hindered job growth and providing Florida teachers a well-deserved pay raise. I look forward to continuing to work with Jimmy as we fight to create more jobs and opportunities for Florida families.