Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Republican, has revealed that he will not be rejoining Congress after stepping down from his post in order to pursue being nominated for Attorney General by President-elect Donald Trump. Earlier this week, Gaetz withdrew his name for consideration from that position citing a desire to avoid unnecessary battles for the incoming Trump administration as his reason for doing so.
In an interview with conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk, Gaetz said, “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress.”
Here’s more on this developing story from The Daily Wire:
The former Florida congressman resigned from the 118th Congress earlier this month after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him for attorney general. His withdrawal from AG consideration on Thursday prompted journalists to immediately begin exploring whether Gaetz could return to the House next year to serve since he won his November election.
Matt Gaetz tells Charlie Kirk he does not plan to return to Congress:
“I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress.” pic.twitter.com/VVOCoBfu5T
— The Recount (@therecount) November 22, 2024
The nomination of Gaetz, a staunch Trump loyalist, was immediately criticized by Democrats and some Republicans, who expressed concern over the investigations into Gaetz over alleged sexual misconduct. Gaetz announced his decision to drop out of attorney general consideration on Thursday after meeting with senators on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. He said it was “clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.”
The House Ethics Committee has been debating whether or not to release a report concerning Gaetz after investigating allegations of sexual misconduct that have been leveled against him. The committee was informed on Thursday of a second alleged sexual encounter between the Florida Republican and an underage girl dating from 2017. Gaets is reported to have pulled his name for consideration just 45 minutes after reporters asked him for a comment concerning this second allegation.
Trump has chosen former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his new nominee for Gaetz replacement, a move that he himself praised along with a number of other folks in the GOP.
“@PamBondi is a stellar selection by President Trump for Attorney General,” Gaetz posted on X. “Pam and I worked closely together when she was Florida’s Attorney General and I chaired Criminal Justice in the state house. She’s a proven litigator, an inspiring leader and a champion for all Americans. She will bring the needed reforms to DOJ.”
To fill Gaetz’s seat, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis called for a special election, and Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd said an election date would be announced as soon as possible. Republicans hold a slim majority in the House, but the party isn’t concerned about losing Gaetz’s seat as Florida’s 1st district is deep red.
During the interview with Kirk on Friday, Gaetz said, “There are a number of fantastic Floridians who’ve stepped up to run for my seat, people who have inspired with their heroism, with their public service. And I’m actually excited to see Northwest Florida go to new heights and have great representation.”
“I’m going to be fighting for President Trump,” he continued. “I’m going to be doing whatever he asks of me, as I always have. But I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress.”