Special Poll
- Former Rep. Matt Gaetz suggested the possibility of running for Sen. Marco Rubio’s Senate seat during a Turning Point USA event in Arizona.
- Speaking at AmericaFest, Gaetz mentioned that many people had been asking about his next steps and offered him suggestions. He referenced interest from Floridians in him running for governor or becoming special counsel to investigate insider trading in Congress.
- Gaetz added, “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,” referencing his earlier failed bid to gain Senate support for confirmation as President-elect Trump’s attorney general.
- Rubio’s Senate seat will be vacant as he prepares to become Trump’s secretary of State. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will appoint Rubio’s replacement. While Gaetz’s comments about a Senate run appeared casual, the crowd responded with applause.
- Gaetz resigned from Congress after being nominated for attorney general but later withdrew his bid, citing insufficient Senate support for his confirmation. He has since stated he does not plan to return to the House, prompting a special election for Florida’s 1st Congressional District.
- His remarks at the event came just one day before the House Ethics Committee released a report concluding that there was substantial evidence of misconduct during his time in Congress. The allegations included violations of House rules, state and federal laws, and other ethical standards, such as engaging in prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, and obstruction of Congress.