Former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz announced on Friday that he will not be returning to Congress next year, following his withdrawal from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for attorney general.
During an interview with Charlie Kirk, Gaetz stated, “I’m still going to be in the fight, but from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress.” Gaetz, who was first elected in 2016, resigned earlier this month after being nominated to lead the Department of Justice.
His resignation came ahead of the release of a House Ethics Committee report investigating allegations of sexual misconduct, which he has consistently denied. The debate over whether the report would be published despite his departure fueled discussion on Capitol Hill about his potential confirmation.
Gaetz cites challenges of confirmation and DOJ preparation, praises Bondi’s smooth path ahead
After Gaetz stepped back from the attorney general nomination, congressional leaders from both parties scrambled to assess whether he could still take his House seat next year following his reelection.
In the interview, Gaetz praised other candidates for his seat, expressing confidence in their abilities to represent Northwest Florida effectively. “There are incredible Floridians stepping up to run, and I’m eager to see the district reach new heights under strong leadership,” he said.
Gaetz emphasized his continued support for Trump, stating his dedication to assisting the president-elect in any capacity. He also reflected on his tenure in Congress, suggesting eight years was sufficient for his role in the House.
Later on Friday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced special election dates for Gaetz’s vacated seat, with the primary set for January 28 and the general election scheduled for April 1. Despite his resignation, Gaetz confirmed his involvement in staffing for the upcoming Trump administration, adding that he remains committed to supporting the transition.
Gaetz also expressed enthusiasm for Trump’s new choice for attorney general, Pam Bondi, praising her qualifications and dedication to justice. Bondi, a former Florida attorney general, was described by Gaetz as a sharp legal mind and someone highly capable of serving the nation. He suggested that her confirmation process would be smoother than his, avoiding some of the political friction his nomination faced.
Reflecting on his withdrawal, Gaetz noted the difficulties of simultaneously managing confirmation efforts and preparing to lead the Department of Justice. “I had to explain past tweets to senators while also building the DOJ team,” he remarked, adding that Bondi’s path to confirmation would face fewer obstacles.
Gaetz dismissed allegations against him, framing them as part of a smear campaign. He criticized Washington’s tendency to resurface years-old claims for political gain, emphasizing his denial of any wrongdoing.
Among the claims were allegations from a woman who testified to having two sexual encounters with Gaetz in 2017 when she was a minor, details revealed during a deposition for a related lawsuit.
Known for his combative political style, Gaetz attributed his challenges to political retaliation, specifically blaming former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. He argued that McCarthy’s allies targeted him out of resentment for his role in McCarthy’s removal as speaker, further complicating his confirmation prospects.
