A decorated fighter pilot with extensive military service and prestigious academic credentials steps into Florida's political arena.
According to Fox News, Jeff Witt, a 38-year-old F-35 fighter pilot and Trump Transition team adviser, has announced his candidacy for Florida's 1st congressional district seat, recently vacated by former Representative Matt Gaetz.
The announcement comes with strong endorsements from former Trump administration officials, including former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie. Witt's campaign platform focuses on controlling inflation, strengthening border security, and enhancing military capabilities while supporting Trump's "America First" agenda.
Witt's background combines military prowess with academic achievement. As a Harvard University graduate who played quarterback for the university's football team, he later returned to earn his MBA from the same institution. His military career spans 14 years, during which he completed 82 combat missions in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
The candidate currently resides in Niceville, Florida, with his wife Courtney and their four children: Joan, 6; Kirby, 5; Grace, 3; and Charlie, 8 months. Beyond his military and professional commitments, Witt maintains strong community ties through his active involvement in his local church, where he teaches children's Sunday school.
Former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie expressed his support for Witt's candidacy, stating:
Jeff Witt is a patriot and a staunch supporter of President Trump and his America First agenda. As the former Secretary of Veterans Affairs under President Trump, I know that Jeff's mission will always be to put warriors first. I am honored to give Jeff my full endorsement.
The special election, whose date remains undetermined, has attracted several Republican candidates. The field includes Florida State Sen. Michelle Salzman, Dr. Joel Rudman, Keith Gross, John Frankman, Bernadette Pittman, and Kevin Gaffney, a former federal government official and teacher.
Witt expressed his commitment to constituent service, declaring:
I will listen to the needs of my constituents, and I will work on their behalf to make Florida's 1st District the finest place in America for veterans, businesses, and families.
The vacancy arose after Matt Gaetz's resignation following his nomination as attorney general in Trump's administration. Although Gaetz later withdrew his name from consideration, he confirmed he would not attempt to return to Congress.
Political engagement runs in the Witt family. His brother, Patrick Witt, served in the first Trump administration as deputy chief of staff in the Office of Personnel Management and later ran for statewide office in Georgia in 2022 with Trump's endorsement.
Lt. Gen. (ret.) Stanley Clarke, former director of the Air National Guard and Witt's former superior officer, has also endorsed his candidacy. Clarke praised Witt's character and dedication to service, emphasizing his potential effectiveness as a congressional representative.
The campaign has already gained momentum through endorsements from influential figures and organizations. As a 2024 Club for Growth fellow, Witt brings both policy expertise and practical experience to his congressional bid.
Jeff Witt's entry into the race for Florida's 1st congressional district marks a significant development in the state's political landscape. The decorated combat veteran and Harvard graduate brings a unique combination of military service, academic achievement, and policy experience to his campaign for the seat vacated by Matt Gaetz. The upcoming special election will determine who represents this Florida district, with Witt joining a field of Republican candidates vying for the position.
