Former Florida Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz announced Friday that he will not return to serve in the 119th Congress.
The announcement came just two weeks after President-elect Donald Trump nominated Gates to be attorney general, sparking controversy on Capitol Hill after he declined to run for attorney general. Although Gaetz is eligible to serve a re-elected term, he said in his resignation letter that he has “no intention” of returning to the House, and confirmed on Charlie Kirk's podcast that he would not return to the House.
“I'm still going to join the fight, but it's going to be from a new perch. I'm not going to join the 119th Congress,” Gaetz told Kirk.
Gaetz, along with Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, met with senators in the days leading up to his confirmation. After spending time on the Senate side, Gaetz withdrew, saying his confirmation would “unduly interfere” with Trump's transition team.
“There is no time to waste on needlessly protracted Washington brawls, which is why I am withdrawing my name from consideration for attorney general,” Gaetz said. said In Thursday's post of X.
President Trump subsequently nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to the position.
Republicans currently hold a slim majority in the House, and Gaetz's vacancy has not yet been filled.
“There are so many great Floridians who stood up to run for my seat, people who have been an inspiration to me with their heroism and public service,” Gaetz told Kirk. “And I’m actually excited to see Northwest Florida reach new heights and get great representation.”
Gaetz has not yet announced where he will continue his political career, but he has vowed to remain a close ally of the president-elect.
“I'm going to fight for President Trump,” Gaetz told Kirk. But I think eight years is probably enough for the U.S. Congress. ”
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