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Former Representative Matt Gaetz is contemplating a run for Florida governor, as revealed in a recent Tampa Bay Times interview. The 42-year-old expressed his intentions while discussing his vision for addressing the state’s challenges.
Having resigned from Congress on November 13 following President-elect Trump’s attorney general nomination consideration, Gaetz later withdrew his candidacy when Senate confirmation appeared unlikely.
🚨 REPORT: Matt Gaetz considers run for Florida governor next year. Should he do it?
“I have a compelling vision for the state. I understand how to fix the insurance problem, and it’s not to hand the keys to the state over to the insurance industry.”
“If I run, I would be the… pic.twitter.com/iVVyd03QqG
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 8, 2025
His political aspirations face scrutiny following a House Ethics Committee report released December 23, which detailed allegations of illegal drug use and payments to multiple women for sexual encounters, including a minor.
Despite these revelations, Gaetz remains a potential frontrunner for the 2026 gubernatorial race, when Ron DeSantis reaches his term limit. He outlined his focus on tackling Florida’s insurance crisis, telling the Tampa Bay Times, “I understand how to fix the insurance problem, and it’s not to hand the keys to the state over to the insurance industry. If I run, I would be the most pro-consumer candidate on the Republican side.”
BREAKING 🚨 Matt Gaetz said he might run for Senate in Florida. MAKE THIS HAPPEN NOW
“It seems I may not have had enough support in the United States Senate, maybe I’ll just run for Marco Rubios seat and join them”
THIS IS WHAT WINNING LOOKS LIKE 🔥 pic.twitter.com/vlmingNitA
— MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice) December 22, 2024
Gaetz dismissed the ethics report’s findings, stating, “Those lies have been told about me for years. They’ve never affected my ability to win elections.” He emphasized the need to consult with his wife Ginger before making a final decision.
Since departing Congress, Gaetz has ventured into media, launching a show on One America News Network and offering personalized videos through Cameo.
The Republican field includes potential candidates like Representatives Byron Donalds, former Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward, and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez. Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez and Attorney General Ashley Moody are also considered possible contenders, though neither has confirmed their intentions.
