Former Congressman Matt Gaetz, who previously resigned from Congress after being selected by President-elect Donald Trump for the position of attorney general and subsequently withdrew from consideration amid growing controversy, announced on Friday that he will not be rejoining Congress. This statement puts an end to speculation regarding his potential return to his congressional seat or an appointment to a vacant Senate seat.
In an interview with conservative media personality Charlie Kirk, Gaetz declared, “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.” He further mentioned that several “fantastic Floridians” have already declared their candidacy for his open seat and expressed his belief that “eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress.”
Gaetz’s withdrawal from the attorney general consideration on Thursday was influenced by concerns over insufficient support for his confirmation and increasing calls for the House Ethics Committee to release its report on sexual misconduct allegations and other claims against him.
Following his withdrawal, there was immediate speculation about Gaetz’s future, including the possibility of him returning to Congress or seeking an appointment to the Florida Senate seat expected to be vacated by Senator Marco Rubio, who Trump has announced as his choice for secretary of state.