Former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz announced Friday that he will not return to Congress next year, following his withdrawal from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general nominee.
“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,” Gaetz said during an interview with Charlie Kirk.
Gaetz, who first entered Congress in 2016, resigned earlier this month after Trump selected him to lead the Department of Justice. However, uncertainty had surrounded whether Gaetz could resume his House seat after winning reelection this fall.
“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,” Gaetz said. “I’m actually excited to see Northwest Florida go to new heights and have great representation.”
Gaetz emphasized his commitment to supporting Trump’s agenda. “I’m going to be fighting for President Trump. 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,” he concluded.
