Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has confirmed that he will not return to Congress in January after dramatically resigning from the House of Representatives last week.
Gaetz quit Congress after he was nominated By President Donald Trump to serve in his administration as the next U.S. attorney general.
However, following pushback from Democrats and some Republicans, Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration on Thursday
Despite quitting the House, Gaetz is still eligible to join the 119th Congress in January after winning his election in November.
Nevertheless, Gaetz confirmed Friday that he won’t rejoin the House after quitting the 118th Congress.
Gaetz told conservative commentator Charlie Kirk during an interview:
“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.”
“There are a number of fantastic Floridians who’ve stepped up to run for my seat, people who have inspired with their heroism, with their public service,” he added.
“And I’m actually excited to see Northwest Florida go to new heights and have great representation.”
“I’m going to be fighting for President Trump,” he declared.
“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.”
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The nomination of Gaetz, a staunch Trump loyalist, was immediately criticized by Democrats and some Republicans.
Gaetz announced his decision to drop out of attorney general consideration on Thursday after meeting with senators on Capitol Hill on Wednesday.
He said it was “clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.”
It comes after the House Ethics Committee weighed releasing a report on Gaetz after looking into the sexual misconduct allegations against him.
On Thursday, Trump tapped former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to replace Gaetz as the nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Justice.
The move was praised by Gaetz and other Republicans.
“@PamBondi is a stellar selection by President Trump for Attorney General,” Gaetz posted on X.
“Pam and I worked closely together when she was Florida’s Attorney General and I chaired Criminal Justice in the state house.
“She’s a proven litigator, an inspiring leader, and a champion for all Americans.
“She will bring the needed reforms to DOJ.”
To fill Gaetz’s seat, Florida’s Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis called for a special election.
Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd said an election date would be announced as soon as possible.
Republicans hold a slim majority in the House.
However, the party isn’t concerned about losing Gaetz’s seat as Florida’s 1st district is deep red.
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