Rep. Matt Gaetz Looking To Replace Governor Ron DeSantis Of Florida

Rumors are swirling that Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida is flirting to run to be the next Governor of Florida.

As Governor Ron DeSantis faces term limits in 2026, Gaetz name has been put in the mix of those who will take DeSantis’ place.

The rumors began after Gaetz reportedly told several people at a designation ceremony for Miami Republican state Rep. Danny Perez, that he was interested in throwing his hat into to Florida governor’s race.

One Republican lobbyist told NBC News “There was a lot of talk about it at the reception last night, and Gaetz was telling people to basically expect him to be in.”

🚨Report: Matt Gaetz is expected to run for Governor of Florida in 2026. pic.twitter.com/px7VSivC9p

— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) September 18, 2023

🚨Rep. Matt Gaetz expected to run for Governor of Florida in 2026

He has my full support if he does

This state only wants the toughest and truest Republicans fighting on their behalf

Congressman @mattgaetz is that manhttps://t.co/3jdlTOCluv

— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) September 18, 2023

Here’s what NBC News reported:

The idea that Rep. Matt Gaetz will run for Florida governor in 2026 has been the topic of several conversations in Tallahassee over the past few days, including during a reception Sunday night for the incoming speaker of the Florida House.

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Gaetz has long been considered on the shortlist of those who will try to seek the Republican nomination for governor, a field that is expected to be crowded because the incumbent, Ron DeSantis, will be facing term limits. DeSantis is currently running for president but would have two years remaining in the governor’s mansion if that run falls short.

Gaetz, like most other Florida Republican politicians, was in Tallahassee for the designation ceremony of Miami Republican state Rep. Danny Perez, who starting next year will serve as speaker of the Florida House.

As part of those festivities, Perez held a reception Sunday night at an AC Hotel by Marriott near the city’s downtown. At the event Gaetz was seen “kind of holding court,” and he strongly implied several times he would be running for governor, four people at the event told NBC News.

“There was a lot of talk about it at the reception last night, and Gaetz was telling people to basically expect him to be in,” one longtime Florida Republican lobbyist said.

Gaetz has not publicly downplayed the idea he might run for governor one day, but told NBC News Monday his only political focus at the moment is trying to elect Donald Trump in 2024.

“Many did encourage me to consider running for governor one day,” Gaetz said of the Sunday evening event. “But we have an outstanding governor who will be in that position through 2026.”

“My only political focus right now is Trump 2024,” he added.

We are fans of this.https://t.co/HJBEVMHZK0

— Raheem. (@RaheemKassam) September 18, 2023

Per The Messenger:

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., is heavily hinting he’s making a run for Florida governor in 2026, according to a new report.

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Visiting Tallahassee for the designation ceremony of Miami Republican state Rep. Danny Perez, who will be serving as state House speaker next year, Gaetz told multiple people he to expect him to run for governor, according to NBC News, citing multiple people familiar with situation.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, R, is currently campaigning for the White House in 2024. He came into office in 2019 and would be limited to two four year terms.

He regularly trails frontrunner Trump by double digits in polling.

Gaetz, once an advisor to DeSantis’ campaign, remains a loyal support of Donald Trump in the 2024 and said so when asked about a possible run for governor.

BREAKING: Matt Gaetz widely expected to run for Florida governor, NBC News reports pic.twitter.com/Bxe9BEzpjR

— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) September 18, 2023