Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz is hinting at a potential run for governor, just days after withdrawing from consideration for President Donald Trump’s Attorney General pick. The 42-year-old Republican took to social media on Saturday, posting a GIF of the Florida state flag waving with a cryptic message suggesting he might be interested in running for the state’s highest office. His post came in response to a tweet from former Florida House Rep. Anthony Sabatini, who boldly predicted that Gaetz would be “the next Governor of the State of Florida.”
Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican who has led the state to national prominence with his bold conservative policies, is term-limited and will not be able to seek re-election in 2026. This has led to speculation about who will step into the role and continue pushing Florida’s conservative agenda. Gaetz’s recent move, coupled with his prior political experience and strong alignment with Trump-era conservative values, makes him a natural contender.
Earlier this week, Gaetz announced that he was no longer a candidate to become Attorney General, a position that President Trump had considered him for. This decision has led some to wonder if Gaetz would return to Congress, where he was recently re-elected, or if he would pursue another political office. Some have even speculated that Gaetz could eye a Senate seat once Marco Rubio vacates it, potentially to join the Trump administration as Secretary of State.
However, any potential return to the House would not be without challenges. Gaetz is currently facing an ongoing ethics investigation over allegations of misconduct and drug use, which he has vehemently denied. Despite these hurdles, Gaetz remains a popular figure among Florida conservatives, and his entry into the gubernatorial race could reshape the state’s political landscape.
In the meantime, the state will hold a special election in April 2025 to fill Gaetz’s seat in Florida’s 1st Congressional District.