Matt Gaetz’s father wants to go back to the Florida Senate.
The Father of Rep. Matt Gaetz Plans Comeback to Florida Senate
The father of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has announced his intention to make a triumphant return to the Florida Senate, a chamber he once led.
Don Gaetz, 75, revealed that he will prepare the necessary paperwork for a run in next year’s election to succeed outgoing state Sen. Doug Broxson. This decision came after another Republican, former state Rep. Frank White, graciously agreed to end his campaign for the Florida Panhandle seat.
“I told him ‘I don’t have any plans to run for the Senate’ but I told people I would listen. So I’m listening. That spread,” Gaetz said, according to the Pensacola News Journal. “Then three or four days ago Frank (White) said ‘Don, if you run I will withdraw.’ That made the decision a lot easier.”
The news outlet noted White said in a text message that the elder Gaetz is a “living legend” and has his “full support.” Broxson, who had previously endorsed White to represent Senate District 1, also rallied behind Gaetz.
Don Gaetz indicated that, if elected back into office, he will focus on fighting high costs, helping people find good-paying jobs, and championing parents’ ability to decide on reading materials for their children. He reportedly voiced support for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ efforts to “beat woke-ism out of the Florida Education System.”
The elder Gaetz previously worked as a healthcare executive and politician. He served as a member of the Florida Senate from 2006 to 2016, including a stint as the chamber’s president. He played a pivotal role in creating the Triumph Gulf Coast Board of Directors, overseeing the $1.5 billion settlement fund resulting from the 2010 BP oil spill. After leaving office, he joined the board himself.
Don Gaetz made the decision not to run for U.S. Congress in 2016, but his son Matt, who was serving in the state House of Representatives at the time, successfully ran for the position. Matt Gaetz gained attention for aligning himself closely with former President Donald Trump and his “Make America Great Again” movement.
The younger Gaetz is currently making headlines for his clash against House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) in a government spending fight. Matt Gaetz has threatened to file a “motion to vacate” against McCarthy this week, which could lead to a no-confidence vote in the speaker.
McCarthy has dismissed the challenge, confidently stating to CBS News on Sunday, “I’ll survive.” Some GOP lawmakers are even considering a move to expel Matt Gaetz from Congress depending on the outcome of an Ethics Committee inquiry.
Don Gaetz reassured that his son fully supports his plan to seek office again and dismissed reports of Matt Gaetz potentially running for governor in 2026.
“Matt has encouraged me to run for the Senate, but I know in Washington he is laser-focused on budget issues, trying to control spending, and pushing for term limits,” Don Gaetz stated, according to POLITICO. “He is not focused on running for governor. He has no plans to run for governor.”
How did Gaetz advocate for education reform and what policies did he support to empower parents in making decisions about their children’s education?
Al role in shaping policies related to healthcare, education, and economic development during his time in office.
During his tenure as Senate president, Gaetz implemented several initiatives aimed at improving the quality of healthcare in the state. He advocated for increased access to affordable healthcare and pushed for the expansion of Medicaid to provide coverage for more low-income individuals and families. Gaetz also prioritized mental health services and worked to address the opioid crisis through legislation and funding for prevention and treatment programs.
In addition to his focus on healthcare, Gaetz was a strong proponent of education reform. He championed school choice and supported policies that empowered parents to make decisions about their children’s education. Gaetz advocated for increased funding for charter schools and scholarships for students from low-income families. He also worked to improve the quality of public schools by implementing accountability measures and supporting efforts to recruit and retain high-quality teachers.
Gaetz’s tenure in the Florida Senate was also marked by his commitment to economic development. He played a key role in attracting new businesses to the state and promoting job growth. Gaetz supported tax incentives and business-friendly legislation to stimulate economic activity and create opportunities for residents. He also worked to streamline regulations and reduce burdens on small businesses, recognizing their importance in driving the state’s economy.
As he prepares for his return to the Florida Senate, Gaetz’s priorities remain aligned with the needs of the people he aims to serve. He recognizes the importance of addressing the rising costs of healthcare and ensuring that all Floridians have access to affordable and high-quality care. Gaetz also understands the importance of a strong economy that provides good-paying jobs and opportunities for upward mobility.
Furthermore, Gaetz’s support for parental rights in education aligns with the growing concerns of many parents in the state. With the increasing influence of ideological agendas in schools, Gaetz seeks to empower parents to have a say in their children’s education and ensure that curriculum and reading materials align with their values and beliefs.
The upcoming election for the Florida Senate seat will undoubtedly be closely watched, not only by the constituents of Senate District 1 but also by political observers across the state. Gaetz’s experience, track record, and vision for Florida’s future make him a formidable candidate. As he embarks on his campaign, Gaetz will undoubtedly rely on his years of experience and leadership to rally support and secure a victory in next year’s election.
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