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Gaetz Rejects Re-Election Despite Win, Prepares For A New Focus [WATCH]

Posted By LifeZette On In News | 1 Comment

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, a fiery conservative figure from Florida, made headlines with his decision not to join the 119th Congress next year, despite a decisive re-election victory earlier this month.

In a revealing interview on The Charlie Kirk Show, Gaetz, 42, emphasized that his political journey is taking a new direction, vowing to remain a vocal presence in public service, as reported by The New York Post [1].

“I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” Gaetz declared, explaining that his eight years in the House of Representatives were enough. “There are a number of fantastic Floridians who stepped up to run for my seat, people who have inspired with their heroism and public service,” he added, hinting at his intent to serve from “a new perch.”

Gaetz’s exit follows his resignation on Nov. 13, just hours after President-elect Donald Trump announced him as the pick to lead the Department of Justice. However, Gaetz later withdrew [5] from consideration for the role, citing resistance from Republican senators wary of approving his nomination due to a pending House ethics report.

The allegations against Gaetz, including claims of illicit conduct and bribery, have been repeatedly denied by the congressman. He dismissed the ethics probe as a politically motivated “smear [6] campaign” orchestrated by Washington insiders.

Image Credit: © Jasper Colt-USA TODAY [7]
Jan 6, 2022; Washington, DC, USA; Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) speaks to members of the press in front of the Capitol on January 6, 2022, the anniversary of the deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Mandatory Credit: Jasper Colt-USA TODAY

“If the things in the House Ethics report were true, I would be under indictment and probably in a prison cell,” Gaetz told Charlie Kirk, doubling down on his innocence.

He also blamed former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy for orchestrating the delays in his confirmation process, stating that his critics were “handpicked,” and that the pace was just going to be too long.

Gaetz praised Trump’s alternative [8] choice for attorney general, former Florida AG Pam Bondi, calling her “fantastic” and expressing confidence in her ability to lead the DOJ.

Image Credit: © Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images [9]
Pam Bondi, a former Attorney General of Florida, appearing at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2024, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center on Feb 23, 2024.

Meanwhile, Gov. Ron DeSantis will need to set special election dates to fill Gaetz’s seat and Rep. Michael Waltz’s seat, as the latter has been tapped to serve as Trump’s national security adviser.

Additionally, DeSantis is expected to appoint a replacement for Sen. Marco Rubio, who will likely vacate his position early next year to become Trump’s secretary of state.

As for his future, Gaetz kept specifics under wraps but hinted at his continued involvement in the MAGA movement. “I plan to be a big voice, but maybe not as an elected member of the government,” he stated.

Unemployment has never looked so good pic.twitter.com/wGfxr2HjDg [10]

— Ginger Gaetz (@GingerLGaetz) November 22, 2024 [11]

Gaetz also noted his dedication to helping President Trump build a strong administration by “scouring for talent” and recruiting “patriots” for key roles. On a personal note, he shared his desire to spend more time with his wife, Ginger, as he transitions out of Congress.