Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz hinted on Saturday that he might run for governor of Florida, just days after withdrawing from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. attorney general.
The 42-year-old Republican sparked speculation with a post on X, featuring a GIF of the Florida state flag waving. Gaetz’s post was in response to former Florida House Rep. Anthony Sabatini, who declared, “Matt Gaetz will be the next Governor of the State of Florida.”
With Florida Governor Ron DeSantis term-limited and unable to seek re-election, Gaetz’s potential candidacy adds a new dimension to the state’s political landscape. His recent withdrawal from the attorney general nomination has fueled questions about his next move.
Some Republicans have speculated Gaetz might attempt to reclaim his recently vacated House seat or even consider running for Marco Rubio’s Senate seat if Rubio becomes Trump’s secretary of state.
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Gaetz resigned from Congress earlier this month following Trump’s announcement of his selection as attorney general on November 13. Despite his resignation, Gaetz had left the possibility open of returning to his House seat in the 119th Congress, which begins on January 3, 2025.
However, with DeSantis calling a special election for April 1, 2025, to fill the seat in Florida’s 1st Congressional District, Gaetz would face significant hurdles, including an ongoing ethics investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, which he has consistently denied.
Weighing Options
Gaetz’s cryptic social media post suggests he is weighing a gubernatorial run, a move that would align with his prominent role in Florida politics and his close ties to Trump. A Gaetz governorship would likely energize Trump’s base in the state, given his reputation as a vocal ally of the former president.
The decision to pursue the governor’s office or another position, such as returning to Congress or a Senate bid, will shape Gaetz’s political trajectory and influence in Florida. For now, his post has left supporters and critics alike speculating about his next move in the Sunshine State’s political arena.
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