Former Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who was the unsuccessful nominee for Attorney General under President-elect Donald Trump, suggested on Saturday that he may be considering a run for the governorship of Florida.
Gaetz referenced a tweet by ex-Representative Anthony Sabatini (R-FL), which stated “[Matt Gaetz] will be the next Governor of the State of Florida,” accompanied by a lively .gif of the state flag fluttering.
This tweet followed closely after his nomination for the nation’s leading law enforcement position fell through due to allegations reported in a pending House ethics document suggesting he engaged in sexual activity, had relations with a minor aged 17, and consumed illegal substances.
As per a legal representative for one of the individuals involved, Gaetz purportedly financed trips for two women to New York to attend his appearance on Fox News and to enjoy the Broadway show Pretty Woman.
He withdrew from consideration for the top law enforcement role on Thursday after receiving a call from Trump informing him he lacked the necessary backing from Senate Republicans for confirmation.
Gaetz has firmly denied all accusations made against him (as expected).
The current Republican Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, will not be eligible to stand for re-election in the upcoming gubernatorial race in 2026 and is set to leave office in January 2027.
This scenario would create an opportunity for Gaetz, who would likely still face scrutiny from the serious allegations that led to the failure of his Attorney General nomination.
Meanwhile, DeSantis remains focused on his presidential ambitions, despite a previous unsuccessful attempt for the GOP nomination that saw him ridiculed as “Meatball Ron” by Trump, ultimately finishing in a disappointing third place in his own state.
According to Politico’s report in August, DeSantis remains unfazed by Trump’s endorsement of Vice President-elect JD Vance as his potential MAGA successor and is diligently preparing for a 2028 presidential run.
