ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WEAR) -- President-elect Donald Trump is endorsing Florida's chief financial officer for Congress.

Trump made the announcement about Jimmy Patronis on Truth Social Monday, saying, "Run Jimmy run!" Hours later, Patronis made it official, submitting his letter of resignation effective at the end of March.

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.

"Jimmy has been endorsed by the leader of our party and that should be enough for us to get behind him," Salzman stated on X.

Patronis submitted his resignation, effective the day before the special election.

Another state representative in the race, Dr. Joel Rudman, says he's not backing down. Rudman submitted his notice of resignation Monday afternoon.

WEAR News caught up with Rudman moments ago. He didn't hold back saying he feels like the heir apparent.

"I'd always said this resign to run process was basically gonna separate the men from the boys," said Rudman. "And I guess it did today."

"I told my constituents that I would resign to run, up until today I guess they didn't believe me," he said. "Well, now they understand when I speak I say what I mean and mean what I say. And that's the attitude I'll take with me to serve in Washington D.C."

Rudman's resignation is effective Jan. 1. He says many didn't believe he would stay in the race, but he's keeping his promise.

Monday marked the deadline for officials to file a notice of resignation to run in the race. That requires they resign from their position before the special election.

"If they don't submit their letter of resignation 10 days prior to qualifying and they do qualify, then it's an automatic resignation effective immediately," Escambia Supervisor of Elections Robert Bender said.

"If they wait inside the 10 days to qualify, that's getting those papers to the state, then their resignation would be effective immediately," he said.

The next important date on the timeline is Dec. 5 when qualifying begins.

Early voting for the special election begins Jan. 18.