Rep. Matt Gaetz from Florida is projected to easily defeat primary challenger Aaron Dimmock who is linked to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Gaetz led the effort to oust McCarthy last year and with most of the votes counted, he is leading Dimmock by a significant margin. Gaetz accused McCarthy of being motivated by revenge and pettiness, while he is on his way to the 119th Congress. McCarthy was the first person in history to be ousted in a House vote from the speakership after Gaetz initiated a motion to vacate, leading to his resignation.
Following his ouster, McCarthy continued to feud with Gaetz as he sought to retain his congressional seat in the Florida panhandle. Despite McCarthy’s PACs spending over $3 million in an attempt to defeat Gaetz, the Florida Republican was successful, showcasing a disconnect between Washington’s corrupt money and the loyalty of Gaetz’s voters. Even with McCarthy’s efforts to influence primary challenges, the outcomes have been mixed, with some candidates aligned with Gaetz facing defeat. The feud between Gaetz and McCarthy heightened during the McCarthy’s revenge tour, culminating in the Florida primary.
One of the issues that fueled the feud between Gaetz and McCarthy was an investigation by the Justice Department on alleged sex trafficking by Gaetz. Although Gaetz was not charged, the House Ethics Committee found that some allegations against him warranted further review. McCarthy attributed his ouster to Gaetz’s personal grievances against him, implying that the ethics investigation was a retaliation. The feud between the two Republicans was evident during the Republican National Convention, where Gaetz heckled McCarthy during a live interview, leading to exchanges of accusations.
Despite the ongoing feud, Gaetz is expected to win the GOP nomination and secure re-election in the solidly red district in November. However, the race could have long-term implications for Gaetz’s political aspirations, particularly his speculated bid for the Florida governor’s mansion in 2026. Gaetz has denied plans to run for governor, stating his intention to continue serving his current position and supporting former President Donald Trump in Washington. The feud with McCarthy and the primary challenges have raised questions about Gaetz’s political future and the potential impact on his reputation.
