Congressman Matt Gaetz has been at the center of things politically for the republican party as of late.
He’s often on the front lines, attempting to hold the Biden Administration accountable for their corruption and failures.
He’s also not been shy about calling out other republicans for their own lack of action.
While Gaetz is currently involved in a dispute with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, many are pondering what the near-future may hold for Gaetz himself.
There are increasing rumblings that Gaetz is a potential front runner for Florida governor come 2026.
Gaetz himself has not denied the possibility of running, and he’s allegedly had conversations about it at a recent event.
However, Gaetz has also made it crystal clear that his current focus is on the here and the now.
#BREAKING: Matt Gaetz expected to run for #Florida governor https://t.co/GSyGzo8ir8.
— Jack Straw (@JackStr42679640) September 18, 2023
NBC reported on the possibility of Gaetz running for Florida governor in 2026:
Gaetz, like most other Florida Republican politicians, was in Tallahassee for the designation ceremony of Miami Republican state Rep. Danny Perez, who starting next year will serve as speaker of the Florida House.
As part of those festivities, Perez held a reception Sunday night at an AC Hotel by Marriott near the city’s downtown. At the event Gaetz was seen “kind of holding court,” and he strongly implied several times he would be running for governor, four people at the event told NBC News.
“There was a lot of talk about it at the reception last night, and Gaetz was telling people to basically expect him to be in,” one longtime Florida Republican lobbyist said.
Gaetz has not publicly downplayed the idea he might run for governor one day, but told NBC News Monday his only political focus at the moment is trying to elect Donald Trump in 2024.
“Many did encourage me to consider running for governor one day,” Gaetz said of the Sunday evening event. “But we have an outstanding governor who will be in that position through 2026.”
🚨Rep. Matt Gaetz expected to run for Governor of Florida in 2026
He has my full support if he does
This state only wants the toughest and truest Republicans fighting on their behalf
Congressman @mattgaetz is that manhttps://t.co/3jdlTOCluv
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) September 18, 2023
BREAKING: Matt Gaetz to run for Florida governor, according to sources.
— Patrick Webb (@RealPatrickWebb) September 18, 2023
🚨Report: Matt Gaetz is expected to run for Governor of Florida in 2026. pic.twitter.com/px7VSivC9p
— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) September 18, 2023
Congressman Matt Gaetz expected to run for Florida Governor in 2026.
Follow: @AFpost pic.twitter.com/MVhQrQ6J53
— AF Post (@AFpost) September 18, 2023
BREAKING: Matt Gaetz ‘100% In’ On Running For Florida Governor In 2026: ‘My Only Focus Now Is Trump 2024’https://t.co/J4fLqsqXZ5
— DC Enquirer (@DcEnquirer) September 18, 2023
Gaetz has downplayed any focus on 2026, but that’s to be expected as he is currently focused on the current state of the country and how to fix the damage caused by the tumultuous Biden Administration.
Matt Gaetz eyes future Florida gubernatorial run, says Trump 2024 "only political focus right now"https://t.co/Vq0HTv47BR
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) September 19, 2023
The Post Millennial has more on Gaetz’s immediate focus:
Gaetz told NBC News that while “many did encourage [him] to consider running for governor one day” Florida has “an outstanding governor who will be in that position through 2026.”
“My only political focus right now is Trump 2024,” he added.
Gaetz, who was elected to the House of Representatives in 2017, has repeatedly commended DeSantis’ job as governor, however, he has been a vocal critic of his presidential run. In April, the Florida congressman formally endorsed Trump, pointing out that the former commander-in-chief has “a lot of momentum.”
Currently, Gaetz is embroiled in a dispute with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy over the latter’s lack of action as it pertains to the corruption of the Biden Administration:
Matt Gaetz is calling out Kevin McCarthy for lying to the American people. THANK YOU! pic.twitter.com/dqlI0wgkoB
— Brigitte Gabriel (@ACTBrigitte) September 12, 2023
JUST IN: Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz blasts Speaker Kevin McCarthy for his inaction on the Biden Crime Family as he announces a new subpoena against Hunter Biden.
At least someone is taking action.
The drafted subpoena will require the signature of McCarthy putting him in… pic.twitter.com/RHoEIA5i3D
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 19, 2023
BREAKING REPORT: Matt Gaetz Drafts subpoena for the President's son..
Will McCarthy sign it? pic.twitter.com/LEZV4w5alo
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) September 19, 2023