Former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, who recently stepped down from Congress after being nominated by President-elect Trump to serve as Attorney General, has hinted at his next political move: a potential run for governor of Florida. Gaetz sparked speculation on Saturday when he posted a GIF of a waving Florida flag on X (formerly Twitter) in response to a message from former Florida State Rep. Anthony Sabatini, who predicted Gaetz would become the state’s next governor.
Gaetz’s potential gubernatorial bid comes as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis approaches the end of his second term in 2026. DeSantis, widely credited with turning Florida from a swing state to a Republican stronghold, is termed out and unlikely to seek another office in the immediate future, particularly with his Senate seat appointment prospects. Gaetz, a former member of the House Freedom Caucus alongside DeSantis, could seek to follow in his political ally’s footsteps by vying for the governor’s mansion.
The timing of Gaetz’s resignation from Congress—just after his nomination for Attorney General—had initially left open the possibility of his returning to the House in January. However, Gaetz has since ruled out returning to Congress and withdrawn his name from consideration for Attorney General, citing the need to avoid distractions during the Trump administration’s transition. With these options off the table, his political future now appears firmly tied to Florida.
If Gaetz enters the gubernatorial race, he will face a crowded Republican primary. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, known for her close ties to DeSantis and her tough-on-crime approach, is widely expected to run. Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis, a popular figure in her own right, has also been floated as a potential candidate, while Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), another Freedom Caucus member, has expressed interest as well.
Despite the competition, Gaetz’s deep ties to the MAGA movement and close alliance with Trump could give him a decisive edge in a Republican primary. Florida remains a stronghold for Trump’s base, and Gaetz has consistently aligned himself with the former president’s agenda.
As the race for Florida’s next governor takes shape, Gaetz’s potential candidacy will likely energize both supporters and critics, ensuring a fiery primary in the Sunshine State. Whether his next move is a bid for governor or another office, one thing is certain: Gaetz isn’t stepping away from the political spotlight anytime soon.
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