Author: Jasper Ward
(Reuters) – Former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz said he is “starting to think about running for governor” in 2026 in his home state of Florida.
“I have a compelling vision for the state,” Gaetz told the Tampa Bay Times. “I understand how to solve the insurance problem, and that’s not handing over the keys to the state to the insurance industry. If I run, I would be the most pro-consumer candidate on the Republican side.”
The three-term congressman, who represented Florida, resigned in November after President-elect Donald Trump chose him to be the next US attorney general. He withdrew from consideration for the job amid a storm of controversy.
Gaetz was under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for allegedly using illegal drugs and having sex with an underage 17-year-old girl. Although he has denied guilt, the commission found last month that he paid tens of thousands of dollars to women for drugs and sex.
Florida has a limit of two consecutive four-year terms for governor. As a result, Florida will have to elect a new governor in 2026 after incumbent Ron DeSantis, already serving his second term, leaves office.
