Former Congressman Matt Gaetz, known for his controversial political career, is seriously considering running for governor of Florida, signaling his intention to make a comeback after stepping down from Congress. Gaetz, who has ambitions of solving the state's homeowner insurance crisis, is positioning himself as the pro-consumer candidate among Republican contenders for the 2026 gubernatorial nomination.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, Gaetz expressed his plans during a recent interview where he stated, “I have a compelling vision for the state.” The 42-year-old Gaetz, who resigned from congressional office on November 13 after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him for attorney general, found himself withdrawing from the nomination shortly after due to insufficient Senate support. This swift exit from federal politics was compounded by the release of a House Ethics Committee report on December 23, which revealed Gaetz’s involvement with illegal drugs and inappropriate relationships with multiple women, including allegations of sexual encounters with a minor.
Despite the significant scrutiny from the ethics report, Gaetz seems unfazed, claiming, “Those lies have been told about me for years. They’ve never affected my ability to win elections.” He expressed optimism about his political future and stated his approach would be centered around resolving issues affecting Floridians, such as skyrocketing homeowner insurance premiums. “I understand how to fix the insurance problem, and it’s not to hand the keys to the state over to the insurance industry,” he explained, emphasizing his dedication to consumer interests.
Following his congressional resignation, Gaetz has stayed active within the public sphere, joining Cameo—a site where he charges hundreds of dollars for personalized video messages—and hosting his own show on One America News Network (OANN). His adaptability to the media scene may play well with voters as he gears up for what promises to be a crowded Republican primary.
Currently, the field of Republican contenders for the governor's race includes some noteworthy names. Representatives Byron Donalds and former Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward, along with Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, are among those expressing interest. Even Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez and Attorney General Ashley Moody are seen as potential candidates, though they have yet to declare their intentions.
With the 2026 election inching closer, Gaetz will need to solidify his political base and perhaps alleviate concerns about his past as he sets his eyes on the state's highest office. Finding support among party members and keeping the public focused on his gubernatorial platform will play pivotal roles as he moves forward.
Gaetz's statement about communication with his wife, Ginger, before making any final decisions reinforces his desire for family support as he contemplates this important career change. Amidst the political turmoil and past accusations, it remains to be seen whether Gaetz can effectively leverage his experiences and transform them from liabilities to storytelling platforms to resonate with the electorate.