Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida, announced on Friday that he will not be returning to Congress. This decision comes after he withdrew his name from consideration for President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general amidst allegations of sexual misconduct.
“I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” Gaetz stated in an interview with conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. He further elaborated on his decision, highlighting his time in public service and future aspirations. “There are a number of fantastic Floridians who stepped up to run for my seat, people who have inspired with their heroism, with their public service. And I’m actually excited to see Northwest Florida go to new heights and have great representation,” Gaetz added, indicating his support for potential successors in his district.
Gaetz, who entered the Florida State House at the age of 28, reflected on his 14 years in elected office. Now 42, he expressed a desire to pursue other life goals, particularly related to his family and wife. “I’m 42 now, and I’ve got other goals in life that I’m eager to pursue — my wife and my family — and so I’m going to be fighting for President Trump,” he explained. “I’m going to be doing whatever he asks of me, as I always have. But I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress.” He suggested that this moment felt “poetic” for new leadership to emerge and for his district to receive “high-quality representation.”
While stepping away from Congress, Gaetz hinted at a continued role in Trump’s future plans, though he remained vague on the specifics. “We need a leadership structure under President Trump that’s going to allow for durability of our movement and the ability to continue this great realignment of our politics, and so I’ll play a part in that,” he said. “I plan to be a big voice, but maybe not as an elected member of the government.” This statement suggests Gaetz intends to remain influential in Republican politics and within Trump’s circle, albeit outside the formal structure of Congress.
Following Gaetz’s announcement, the Florida Department of State confirmed a special election set for April 1, 2025, to fill his seat in Florida’s First Congressional District. Gaetz’s departure reduces the already narrow majority held by House Republicans, adding another layer of complexity to the political landscape in Congress.
The question of Gaetz’s future in Congress arose after he withdrew his candidacy for Attorney General under the Trump administration. Prior to this announcement, there was speculation about whether Gaetz would return to Congress, especially given his recent re-election to a new two-year term. His decision clarifies his intentions and marks a significant shift in his political career trajectory.
Adding to the backdrop of his decision are the ongoing sexual misconduct allegations and the House Ethics Committee investigation. The committee has been investigating claims that Gaetz allegedly had sexual encounters with a minor and an adult woman at a party in 2017. Reports indicate that the committee was informed that the minor, who was 17 at the time, had multiple sexual encounters with Gaetz.
Furthermore, Gaetz was previously under investigation by the Department of Justice for sex trafficking allegations. However, the DOJ ultimately decided not to press charges. Gaetz has consistently denied all allegations of sexual misconduct, dismissing them as politically motivated attempts to “smear” him. He addressed the allegations directly in his interview with Charlie Kirk, stating, “Like if the things that the House Ethics report [said] were true, I would be under indictment and probably in a prison cell. But of course, they’re false, because when you test them against other records, when you test them against other testimony, it all falls apart very quickly.”
It is important to note that Gaetz’s decision not to rejoin Congress is distinct from a resignation from his current term, as he had already indicated he would not be serving in the upcoming session. His departure from the House marks the end of his congressional career, which began in 2017. During his time in office, Gaetz was a controversial figure, known for his staunch support of Donald Trump and his role in the ousting of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. His exit opens a new chapter for both himself and the Republican party in Florida’s First Congressional District.
