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Matt Gaetz considering Florida Governor bid
Former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, who withdrew as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general following a House Ethics Committee report accusing him of sexual misconduct and drug use, said he is considering a run for Florida governor in 2026.
ORLANDO, Fla. - Former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, who withdrew as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general following a House Ethics Committee report accusing him of sexual misconduct and drug use, said he is considering a run for Florida governor in 2026.
Gaetz, 42, told the Tampa Bay Times he has "a compelling vision" for the state and believes he can address Florida’s ongoing insurance crisis, which has worsened following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. He described himself as the "most pro-consumer candidate" on the Republican side.
Related article: Matt Gaetz likely won't face charges in Orange or Seminole counties, officials cite statute of limitations
The Florida governor’s race is expected to draw significant attention as Gov. Ron DeSantis, first elected in 2018, is term-limited. The state has increasingly leaned Republican in recent years, making it a key race on the 2026 election calendar.
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No charges likely for Matt Gaetz in Central Florida
Despite the findings laid out in the Congressional Ethics Report, officials in two local counties say charges are not likely.
Gaetz resigned from Congress in 2022 after winning re-election, attempting to block the release of the Ethics Committee report, which alleged he had paid women for sex, engaged in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old, and used illegal drugs, including cocaine and Ecstasy. Gaetz denied the allegations, but a last-minute lawsuit to stop the report’s release failed.
Related article: Matt Gaetz report to be released by House Ethics Committee after all
The report also cited Gaetz for accepting excessive gifts, including travel and accommodations in the Bahamas, from 2017 to 2020. After leaving Congress, Gaetz hosted a primetime show on the far-right One America News Network.
Gaetz’s comments about a potential gubernatorial run come just as the 119th Congress begins its session. He was previously known on Capitol Hill for his aggressive political style and support of Trump’s agenda.
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The Source: The information in this article comes from the Tampa Bay Times and previous reports.