Matt Gaetz nabs clear reelection win in Florida’s 1st District
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) successfully secured reelection in Florida’s 1st Congressional District, defeating Democratic opponent Gay Valimont. In the election, Gaetz achieved 65.6% of the votes compared to Valimont’s 34.4%, with the Associated Press calling the race shortly after 8:14 p.m., when 66% of the votes were counted. Gaetz’s win aligns with polling predictions that showed him leading by double digits in a Republican-dominated district. Additionally, he had previously won a Republican primary against Aaron Dimmock, a challenger supported by former Rep. Kevin McCarthy, marking this as a significant point in his campaign’s strength.
Matt Gaetz wins reelection in Florida’s 1st Congressional District
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) pulled off a clear victory against Democratic opponent Gay Valimont.
He secured 65.6% of the votes to Valimont’s 34.4%, with 66% of the vote counted, as of 8:14 p.m., when the Associated Press called the race.
The result was no surprise, with polling giving Gaetz a double-digit lead in the reddest district in Florida. Gaetz previously handily defeated a Republican primary challenger, Aaron Dimmock, backed heavily by former Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) — a challenge seen as the biggest chance to unseat him.
2024 ELECTIONS LIVE UPDATES: LATEST NEWS ON THE TRUMP-HARRIS PRESIDENTIAL RACE
Gaetz also held a clear fundraising advantage — $6.4 million compared to Valimont’s $1.4 million.
Despite the deep redness of the district, Valimont was banking on an ethics investigation into Gaetz crippling him, with the gun violence prevention activist suggesting that he could be removed even in the event of a victory.
“If he wins, watch for him to be expelled in November or December, sparking a special election,” Valimont told Florida Politics. “We are also prepared for that.”
Unfortunately for Valimont, her predicted “biggest upset in the country” didn’t come to fruition.
Gaetz will now proceed to his fifth term as representative for Florida’s 1st Congressional District. The conservative firebrand is one of the most well-known members of Congress, particularly after he led the charge to unseat McCarthy last year.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...