America First Rep. Matt Gaetz secured a resounding victory in Florida’s 1st Congressional District primary, defeating his challenger Aaron Dimmock by a landslide.
Dimmock, who had the backing of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, lost by a staggering 45 points. McCarthy’s support for Dimmock was seen as part of his ongoing effort to strike back at Gaetz, who led the charge to oust McCarthy from the speakership in October 2023.
Gaetz celebrated his win by mocking McCarthy’s failed attempt to unseat him. “Kevin McCarthy spent $3 million in this race, and we still increased our margin of victory,” Gaetz said. In the 2022 primary, Gaetz won 70% of the vote; this time, he garnered 73%. “Kevin, if you’re watching, spend a little more next time, and we’ll get to 80!” Gaetz quipped.
Dimmock’s campaign struggled after Gaetz’s team highlighted his past involvement with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which contrasted sharply with the America First values of the district’s voters. Dimmock’s background as a Black Lives Matter supporter also alienated conservative constituents, earning him the nickname “DEI Dimmock” from Gaetz’s supporters.
The outcome solidifies Gaetz’s position as a leading figure in the MAGA movement and a formidable opponent to establishment Republicans like McCarthy.
The former Speaker’s so-called “revenge tour” has so far yielded little success, with Gaetz and other MAGA lawmakers maintaining their grip on their respective districts.
