A conservative firebrand signals potential political ambitions despite recent controversies.
According to the New York Post, former Representative Matt Gaetz suggested he might pursue Marco Rubio's soon-to-be-vacant Senate seat during a speaking engagement at a conservative event in Arizona, even as he faces serious allegations detailed in a recent House ethics report.
The 42-year-old Republican made these remarks at the Turning Point Action's AmericaFest event in Phoenix, addressing speculation about his political future. This development comes shortly after Gaetz was forced to withdraw his candidacy for U.S. Attorney General in President-elect Donald Trump's administration following allegations of sexual misconduct.
The House Ethics Committee's draft report, released Monday, contains damaging accusations against the former congressman.
The document alleges that Gaetz spent over $90,000 on payments to twelve women and presents evidence of numerous meetings between early 2017 and mid-2020 involving women who were compensated for sex and drugs. Perhaps most serious among the allegations is the claim that Gaetz had sexual relations with a minor, an accusation he has consistently denied.
The timing of these revelations has complicated Gaetz's political trajectory, coming shortly after his resignation from Congress following his initial selection as Trump's Attorney General pick. The position appeared within his grasp until the Senate's apparent lack of support forced him to withdraw his name from consideration.
Speaking at the Arizona event, Gaetz addressed the Senate speculation with a hint of defiance:
It seems I may not have had enough support in the United States Senate. Maybe I'll just run for Marco Rubio's vacant seat in the United States Senate and join some of those folks.
The potential Senate opportunity arises as current Florida Senator Marco Rubio prepares to assume the role of Secretary of State in the Trump administration.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to appoint a temporary replacement for Rubio's seat next month, with a special election scheduled for 2026 to fill the remaining two years of the term.
Gaetz has maintained an active public presence despite the controversy. He has continued his work on Cameo, a platform where celebrities can create personalized videos for paying customers. Additionally, he has secured a position as a show host on the One America News Network, scheduled to begin in January.
During his Phoenix appearance, Gaetz also addressed speculation about other potential political roles, including the Florida governorship. The position will become available in 2026 when DeSantis reaches his term limit. Gaetz remarked:
Many have asked which perch I will be fighting from next, and some of you throughout this conference have even given me a few suggestions. My fellow Floridians have asked me to eye the governor's mansion in Tallahassee, maybe special counsel to go after the insider trading for my former colleagues in Congress.
Matt Gaetz, the controversial former Florida Representative, faces a pivotal moment in his political career as he considers a potential Senate run. His consideration of Rubio's seat comes amid serious allegations detailed in a House ethics report, including claims of payments for sex and drug use.
As he navigates these challenges, Gaetz has already secured a media position with One America News Network and continues to explore various political opportunities, including the possibility of running for Florida governor in 2026.
