Note: This analysis uses AI to help identify potential outreach strategies for space science issues. Because it uses AI, it is important to understand the sources and limitations of this analysis.
Space-related committee assignments (if present), and additional sources (if present), are from congress.gov and a direct output of a targeted web search.
Opportunities, challenges, overall summary, and preparation recommendations are products of AI analyses. The biography uses AI to summarize key aspects of the member's Wikipedia page.
All AI-generated claims, assessments, and recommendations should be independently verified.
This is an experimental feature, and intended to provide guidance and inspiration for outreach strategies for your meeting. Feedback is welcome: casey.dreier@planetary.org.
Overall Summary
Representative Patronis's district benefits from significant NASA contracts, including those directly supporting science and airborne science programs at Armstrong Flight Research Center, which provides a strong local economic incentive. He has also demonstrated general support for Florida's leadership in space and acknowledged NASA's scientific contributions, suggesting an appreciation for the agency's broader mission.
However, his strong fiscal conservative stance, emphasizing spending restraint and deficit reduction, presents a significant challenge to advocating for increased discretionary funding for NASA science, especially in light of proposed cuts. While he supports NASA's presence in Florida, his legislative priorities do not explicitly include space or science, and he lacks a direct committee assignment overseeing NASA, indicating that specific science funding may not be a top focus. Advocates should emphasize the direct local economic impact of science programs to gain his receptiveness.
Preparation Recommendations
Consider gathering specific examples of how the Jacobs Technology Inc. contracts for NASA science and airborne science programs directly support jobs and economic activity in Fort Walton Beach, connecting local prosperity to NASA's scientific endeavors.
Explore how NASA's science missions, including those supported by local contracts, reinforce Florida's leadership in space innovation and economic growth, aligning with his past advocacy for the state's role in the space sector.
Look into specific examples of how NASA's science investments yield tangible returns, such as technological advancements that benefit other sectors or contribute to national security, to address his focus on fiscal responsibility and competing priorities.
About Jimmy Patronis
Graduated with an A.A. in restaurant management and a B.S. in political science.
Served as Florida's Chief Financial Officer from 2017 to 2025.
Previously served on the Florida Public Service Commission (2015-2017).
Former member of the Florida House of Representatives (2006-2014).
Partner in his family's long-standing seafood restaurant business.
Opportunities
Local Economic Impact: Representative Patronis's district benefits from significant NASA contracts with Jacobs Technology Inc. in Fort Walton Beach, which provides engineering and technical services for NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center projects, including science and airborne science programs. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)
Advocacy for Florida's Space Leadership: Representative Patronis co-signed a bipartisan letter in June 2025 urging the relocation of NASA headquarters to Florida, emphasizing the state's role in space innovation and the economic benefits of NASA's presence.
Recognition of NASA's Scientific Contributions: As Florida CFO, Patronis presented a resolution in August 2022 celebrating the 60th anniversary of Kennedy Space Center, acknowledging its role in space exploration and scientific discovery.
General Support for Innovation and Economic Growth: Representative Patronis consistently highlights Florida's economic strength and innovation, occasionally referencing "space travel" as a key field, indicating a general appreciation for sectors that drive technological advancement and economic prosperity.
Challenges
Lack of Space Committee Assignment: Representative Patronis holds no current assignments on committees directly overseeing NASA or space policy in the 119th Congress, limiting his direct influence on space science funding and policy. (Authoritative Committee Data, 2025-01)
Competing Legislative Priorities: His stated priorities for the 119th Congress emphasize border security, military strength, and veterans' services, with no explicit mention of space or science as a primary focus. (House.gov, 2025-04; House.gov, 2025-07)
Fiscal Conservatism and Spending Restraint: Representative Patronis has publicly advocated for "reining in spending" and "cutting taxes" as part of his legislative agenda, and co-sponsored a budget resolution for FY2025-2034 focused on deficit reduction, which may lead to caution regarding increased discretionary federal spending for NASA science. (House.gov, 2025-04; Congress.gov, 2025-02)
Limited Explicit Advocacy for NASA Science: While he supported relocating NASA headquarters to Florida, his public record as a U.S. Representative does not contain extensive specific statements or actions advocating for increased funding or expansion of NASA's Science Mission Directorate activities. (Florida Politics, 2025-06)