Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) says in a new interview that he is “starting to think about” running for Florida governor in 2026.
in Tampa Bay Times interviewThe former congressman turned TV host said his biggest concern was dealing with the insurance crisis.
“I have a compelling vision for the state,” Gaetz said in an interview. “I understand how to solve insurance problems. It's not about handing the keys of the state to the insurance industry.”
“If I run, I would be the most pro-consumer candidate on the Republican side,” he added.
Gates told the Tampa Bay Times that he needs more time to pray about his decision and discuss the issue with his wife.
The interview took place after Gates resigned from Congress shortly after being nominated by President-elect Trump to be attorney general. Gaetz withdrew from consideration amid concerns about an ethics investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and illegal drug use.
Despite his resignation from Congress, the House Ethics Committee released a report on the committee's nearly three-and-a-half year investigation into the Florida Republican.
The report found “substantial evidence” that Gaetz violated House rules and state and federal law, outlining charges including prostitution, statutory rape and illegal drug use, among others. Gates has denied any wrongdoing.
Gaetz told the Tampa Bay Times that he does not think the report's findings will prevent him from running for public office again.
“Lies like that have been told about me for years,” he told a Florida news outlet. “They have never affected my ability to win an election.”
