Rep. Matt Gaetz’s Potential Run for Governor of Florida
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) neither confirmed nor denied reports of his intention to run for governor of Florida in 2026. Instead, he emphasized his focus on the ongoing appropriations battle and the upcoming 2024 election.
The speculation about Gaetz’s candidacy arose from a recent NBC report, quoting an unnamed Florida Republican lobbyist who claimed that Gaetz hinted at his future plans during a political event in Tallahassee.
Currently, Gaetz’s primary focus is on defeating the Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024 (H.R. 5525), as he returns to Capitol Hill. He expressed his determination to defeat the bill and emphasized that he has no political goals beyond 2024.
When asked about his plans to launch a gubernatorial campaign, Gaetz dismissed the idea, stating that his sole focus is on defeating the appropriations bill. The next Florida gubernatorial election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.
Trump Jr. and Gaetz
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who won reelection in 2020 with a significant margin, is term-limited and cannot seek reelection in 2026. This opens up opportunities for potential GOP candidates like Gaetz.
DeSantis is currently running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, where he trails former President Donald Trump by a wide margin.
During the first Republican presidential debate in August, Donald Trump Jr. hinted at Gaetz’s potential gubernatorial run. In an interview, Trump Jr. asked Gaetz if he would be committed to the job if elected governor, taking a subtle jab at DeSantis for his campaign absences.
Gaetz responded enthusiastically, expressing his enjoyment of the role and his dedication to it. Trump Jr. then pre-endorsed Gaetz for governor and pledged to campaign aggressively on his behalf.
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle stand on stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 26, 2021. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
For nearly a quarter-century, Republicans have held the governorship in Florida. Gaetz’s potential candidacy has gained support, with Florida trial attorney John Morgan stating that Gaetz is already a frontrunner and has won the “Trump primary” due to the former president’s endorsement.
Gaetz later clarified that his focus is on President Trump’s presidential campaign and praised Florida’s current governor.
The Appropriations Battle
In Washington, Gaetz is actively fighting against the Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024. The bill, introduced by Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), aims to extend government funding through Oct. 31 to avoid a shutdown.
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) in an interview with NTD’s Capitol Report on Nov. 17, 2021. (Screenshot via The Epoch Times)
Gaetz and several other GOP members have voiced objections to the bill, arguing that it perpetuates Democratic spending priorities into the next fiscal year. Gaetz emphasized the importance of considering individual agency bills separately and allowing open amendment debates.
Regarding Donalds’ involvement in introducing the bill, Gaetz expressed his friendship with Donalds but disagreed with his decision, considering it misguided.
A floor vote on the continuing resolution is expected to take place this week.
How has Rep. Gaetz responded to the speculation about his potential gubernatorial campaign?
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) neither confirmed nor denied reports of his intention to run for governor of Florida in 2026. Instead, he emphasized his focus on the ongoing appropriations battle and the upcoming 2024 election.
The speculation about Gaetz’s candidacy arose from a recent NBC report, quoting an unnamed Florida Republican lobbyist who claimed that Gaetz hinted at his future plans during a political event in Tallahassee.
Currently, Gaetz’s primary focus is on defeating the Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024 (H.R. 5525), as he returns to Capitol Hill. He expressed his determination to defeat the bill and emphasized that he has no political goals beyond 2024.
When asked about his plans to launch a gubernatorial campaign, Gaetz dismissed the idea, stating that his sole focus is on defeating the appropriations bill. The next Florida gubernatorial election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who won reelection in 2020 with a significant margin, is term-limited and cannot seek reelection in 2026. This opens up opportunities for potential GOP candidates like Gaetz.
DeSantis is currently running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, where he trails former President Donald Trump by a wide margin.
During the first Republican presidential debate in August, Donald Trump Jr. hinted at Gaetz’s potential gubernatorial run. In an interview, Trump Jr. asked Gaetz if he would be committed to the job if elected governor, taking a subtle jab at DeSantis for his campaign absences.
Gaetz responded enthusiastically, expressing his enjoyment of the role and his dedication to it. Trump Jr. then pre-endorsed Gaetz for governor and pledged to campaign aggressively on his behalf.
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