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Matt Gaetz says he is 'starting to think' about a bid for Florida governor in 2026
Just the News ^ | January 7,2026 | Misty Severi

Posted on 01/07/2025 8:20:44 PM PST by chickenlips

Former Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz on Tuesday said that he is "starting to think" about running for Florida governor next year, but will be spending more time praying about it and talking to his wife Ginger before making any official decision.

The conservative firebrand, who left Congress late last year to become President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general before he withdrew from consideration, is considered a polarizing figure in Republican politics. But the former lawmaker is particularly popular among Trump's supporters.

Gaetz, who recently started his own show on the right-leaning One America News Network (OANN), told the Tampa Bay Times that he is “starting to think about running for governor” and has a vision for the state's future.

“I have a compelling vision for the state,” Gaetz said. “I understand how to fix the insurance problem, and it’s not to hand the keys to the state over to the insurance industry. If I run, I would be the most pro-consumer candidate on the Republican side.”

(Excerpt) Read more at justthenews.com ...


TOPICS: Politics/Elections; US: Florida
KEYWORDS: florida; gaetz; governor; jethro
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Don't rush to a decison, Matt. Give yourself a decade or two to think it through.
1 posted on 01/07/2025 8:20:44 PM PST by chickenlips
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To: chickenlips

So you’re a Never Gaetzer too?


2 posted on 01/07/2025 8:28:07 PM PST by TigersEye (13 days 'til "Dr." Jill ditches Joe and catches a plane to Thailand. Jirayu the pool boy awaits her.)
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To: chickenlips

May GOD’S Will be done in Matt Gaetz’s life.


3 posted on 01/07/2025 8:29:36 PM PST by stars & stripes forever (Blessed is the national whose GOD is the LORD. Psalm 33:12)
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To: TigersEye; chickenlips

I am. Odd and creepy. Until he figures out what he’s goi g to do, why didn’t he assume the seat he was elected to to help with the narrow majority?
Lieutenant Governor or Nunez has done a great job; she’s earned the successor gig


4 posted on 01/07/2025 8:30:28 PM PST by j.havenfarm (24 years on Free Republic, 12/10/24! More than 10,500 replies and still not shutting up!)
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To: chickenlips

He needs to get his wild oats done and without an arrest before coming back to politics. I really do not want a republican ted Kennedy or Anthony weiner. Pierre Delecto was bad enough.


5 posted on 01/07/2025 8:38:49 PM PST by Liaison (TANSTAAFL)
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To: chickenlips

When Trump nominated Gaetz for DOJ, he must have known about the debacle that would ensue, and that he’d likely be forced out at some point.

If Trump really wanted him in play, he could give him Marco Rubio’s Senate seat.

Who knows?


6 posted on 01/07/2025 8:54:21 PM PST by Joann37
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To: chickenlips

Unless God says otherwise, don’t.

If Trump offers you a position that doesn’t require Senate approval, take it, do your best there, and rebuild your reputation. If he doesn’t, take a corporate position, do your best there, and rebuild your reputation. You’ve got decades ahead of you, you can take your time.


7 posted on 01/07/2025 9:00:52 PM PST by chajin ("There is no other name under heaven given among people by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12)
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To: chickenlips

Isn’t Gaetz a scumbag?


8 posted on 01/07/2025 10:01:48 PM PST by Az Joe (We can't spare President Trump; He fights!)
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To: chickenlips

Byron Donalds ...
My representative has the gravitas for Governor.


9 posted on 01/07/2025 10:04:03 PM PST by Waverunner
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his official political career ended upon entering the private sector


10 posted on 01/07/2025 10:17:00 PM PST by Gene Eric
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To: Az Joe
Gaetz is not a scumbag.

Joe Biden is a scumbag.

Hope this helps!

11 posted on 01/07/2025 10:21:20 PM PST by Governor Dinwiddie ( O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is gracious, and His mercy endureth forever. — Psalm 106)
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To: chickenlips

“Florida’s current Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is term limited and cannot run for reelection next year.”

Didn’t know that. Bummer, he’s doing such a good job there.


12 posted on 01/07/2025 10:26:11 PM PST by McGruff
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To: Az Joe

No.


13 posted on 01/07/2025 10:27:48 PM PST by vivenne
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To: chickenlips

Just go away MG...please.


14 posted on 01/07/2025 10:33:58 PM PST by rottndog (What comes after America?)
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To: rottndog

Agreed.

There are 1000 GOP candidates in Florida that would be more suitable for that job.


15 posted on 01/07/2025 11:27:30 PM PST by KingofZion
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To: chickenlips

He is probably the only Republican in the state that can’t win.


16 posted on 01/08/2025 2:49:32 AM PST by rrrod (6)
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To: rrrod

Too toxic.


17 posted on 01/08/2025 3:27:15 AM PST by DIRTYSECRET
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To: chickenlips

I like Gaetz, but he doesn’t stand a chance.


18 posted on 01/08/2025 3:34:46 AM PST by Ann Archy (Abortion....... The HUMAN Sacrifice to the god of Convenience.)
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To: chickenlips

LOL! Gates is pathetic. He had a chance to push for a motion for disclosure of the Congressional fund that payments regarding sexual harassment were made from.

Instead... crickets.

So glad he’s out of Congress.


19 posted on 01/08/2025 3:37:08 AM PST by Fury
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To: DIRTYSECRET

Yep.


20 posted on 01/08/2025 3:38:33 AM PST by rrrod (6)
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