Former U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz confirmed multiple reports that he is contemplating a run for Florida governor as Ron DeSantis nears the end of Florida's two-term limit.
"Yesterday the Tampa Bay Times texted me asking if I was considering running for Governor of Florida. And of course I am! I am the true Florida man after all," Gaetz said on his One America News Network program "The Matt Gaetz Show" on Wednesday night.
"Lots of Florida republicans would be pretty excited," Gaetz added, citing a Kaplan Strategies poll that shows him with an early lead in the gubernatorial race.
Gaetz said he was "starting to think about" running for the state's top office in interviews with multiple news outlets. He emphasized his concern over Florida's ongoing insurance crisis, promising to prioritize consumer interests over corporate profits. "I have a compelling vision for the state," Gaetz told the Tampa Bay Times, adding that he would position himself as "the most pro-consumer candidate on the Republican side."
Gaetz served in Congress from 2017 to 2024, where he became known as a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump and a lightning rod for controversy.
His tenure ended abruptly after Trump nominated him for U.S. Attorney General, a nomination Gaetz soon withdrew from amid a media storm surrounding a House Ethics Committee report accusing Gaetz of a range of misconduct. The allegations in the report include several instances of illegal drug use, as well as paying women and one 17-year-old girl for sex. Gaetz has consistently denied the claims.
Asked by the New York Times whether these allegations could hinder a gubernatorial bid, Gaetz brushed them off. "Those lies have been circling me for years," he said.
Should Gaetz enter the race, he is likely to face competition from less controversial members of his own party. Other potential Republican contenders include U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson. Moody, in particular, is seen as a formidable opponent, with speculation mounting that she could be in line for a Senate bid.
The Democratic field remains less defined but could include high-profile names like U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz and State Senator Shevrin Jones. Democratic Florida Sen. Jason Pizzo may be eyeing the role as well. "I will kick his ass," Pizzo announced in response to Tampa Bay Times reports of Gaetz considering the governorship.
Gaetz's relationship with Trump is likely to play a pivotal role in his political future. Trump's endorsement has proven decisive in past Florida elections, notably propelling DeSantis to a narrow victory in 2018. Gaetz has publicly acknowledged discussing his potential gubernatorial ambitions with the president-elect but has not disclosed the details of their conversation.
Political analysts remain divided on Gaetz's viability as a candidate. While his popularity among the MAGA base is undeniable, his personal controversies and polarizing reputation could alienate moderate Republicans and independents.
Gaetz said he has yet to make a final decision on whether or not he will run for governor. "My family and I will think and pray about this, we have plenty of time. My job for now is here, on One America News," he said.
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