The sudden resignation of Matt Gaetz from Congress has triggered a crowded primary battle for his solidly Republican seat in Florida’s panhandle.
As Slay News reported, resigned from the House of Representatives last week “effective immediately.”
Gaetz announced his resignation after he was named as President Donald Trump’s nomination for the next attorney general in his coming administration.
However, Gaetz’s departure has ignited a battle between those seeking to replace him.
Whoever wins the primary is almost certain to replace Gaetz in the 1st District, which he represented from 2017 until last week.
Gaetz became known as one of the most controversial members of Congress during his tenure, often refusing to tow the party line.
He notoriously triggered the removal of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) in a dramatic vote last year that alienated many Republicans.
McCarthy’s allies backed an unsuccessful primary challenge against Gaetz this summer when Gaetz soundly defeated Aaron Dimmock.
Dommock is a retired naval officer who controversially ran for office in Florida while working as an employee for the state of Missouri.
During the August primary, allies of McCarthy poured millions into spreading allegations that Gaetz had sex with a 17-year-old girl.
Those claims have taken center stage again after Gaetz’s nomination to lead the Department of Justice (DOJ).
However, the DOJ had previously investigated the claims and declined to charge Gaetz.
Dimmock told The Hill that he is contemplating another run for Gaetz’s now vacant seat.
“I am taking a serious look at it and have already received numerous calls from constituents imploring me to run,” he said.
Among the candidates already vying to replace Gaetz is Michelle Salzman, a fiery conservative and Florida state legislator from Escambia County.
“I am making my intentions to run for Congress by filing today I want to do what is best for our country and helping President Trump with the Make America Great Again Agenda! @realDonaldTrump,” she wrote on X.
Other candidates include John Frankman, a Green Beret who was forced out of the Army over the Covid vaccine mandate, and Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.
Because Gaetz is no longer in Congress, he is not subject to the jurisdiction of the House Ethics Committee.
The committee had been investigating his alleged sexual misconduct and illegal drug use when he resigned.
His resignation automatically closed the probe.
The House Ethics Committee met on Wednesday to discuss its investigation report and decided not to release it.
Meanwhile, President Trump has been whipping votes for Gaetz in the Senate.
Gaetz is already supported by a few Senate Republicans.
