Rep. Matt Gaetz, the Florida Republican who led the effort to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy last fall, has emerged victorious in the primary against a McCarthy-linked challenger, according to projections from CBS News. With 72% of the votes counted, Gaetz holds a commanding lead over challenger Aaron Dimmock, a former Navy officer, with a margin of 71% to 28%.
In an interview with CBS News, Gaetz expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, attributing McCarthy’s motivations to revenge and pettiness. Gaetz confidently stated, “I’m on my way to the 119th Congress, and he’s on his way to whatever the next stage of grief is.”
Despite the defeat, Dimmock acknowledged that the result was not what they had hoped for, recognizing the challenges of running as a first-time candidate against a powerful career politician. McCarthy’s tenure as House Speaker came to an end last year when Gaetz spearheaded a motion to vacate, resulting in McCarthy becoming the first person in history to be ousted in a House vote from the speakership. The decision was supported by all Democrats and eight Republicans, leading to McCarthy’s removal from the post due to frustration with his handling of government shutdown maneuvers.
Following his removal from the speakership, McCarthy resigned from the chamber, marking the end of his tumultuous tenure. The feud between McCarthy and Gaetz continued beyond his speakership, with Gaetz now vying to retain his seat in Florida’s 1st Congressional District. Despite McCarthy’s PACs spending over $3 million in an attempt to defeat him, Gaetz remained resilient, highlighting the disconnect between corrupt big money in Washington and the strong connection he shares with his constituents in Northwest Florida.
Gaetz’s victory in the primary marks the conclusion of McCarthy’s so-called revenge tour, which sought to undermine those who were involved in his ouster. The campaign against Gaetz included allegations of paying a minor for sex, which were refuted by Gaetz and dismissed by the Justice Department following an investigation into sex trafficking allegations. However, the House Ethics Committee found some merit in the allegations against Gaetz, warranting further review.
McCarthy has insinuated that Gaetz’s personal grievances with him led to his ouster, as he allowed the ethics investigation into Gaetz’s alleged conduct to proceed. The ongoing feud between the two was evident at the Republican National Convention, where Gaetz heckled McCarthy during a live interview, prompting McCarthy to refer to him as the orchestrator of an ethics complaint involving a 17-year-old.
Despite the contentious relationship between Gaetz and McCarthy, Gaetz is expected to secure the GOP nomination and emerge victorious in the general election in November due to the solidly red nature of the district. However, the race could have long-term implications for Gaetz, who is rumored to be considering a bid for the Florida governorship in 2026.
In a social media post, Gaetz addressed speculation about his gubernatorial ambitions, stating that he currently has no plans to run for Governor as he is focused on his current role and supporting President Trump in Washington. Nonetheless, he expressed confidence in facing any opposition, remarking, “If those plans change, I hope I have opposition as incompetent as these dorks.”
Overall, Gaetz’s triumph in the primary against a McCarthy-linked challenger signifies a significant victory in his ongoing political journey, solidifying his position in Congress and setting the stage for potential future endeavors. The dynamic between Gaetz and McCarthy serves as a reminder of the complexities and rivalries within the political landscape, shaping the trajectory of both individuals as they navigate their respective paths in the realm of public service.
