Staff Reports
Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz is stirring the political pot once again, hinting that he might throw his hat into the ring for Senator Marco Rubio’s seat, which is expected to become available after President-elect Donald Trump selects Rubio for a Cabinet position as Secretary of State. This light-hearted game of musical chairs in the political arena has kept Gaetz buzzing, especially after a rather chaotic stretch that saw him resign from the House while simultaneously campaigning for Attorney General—only to have that opportunity dashed by an impending House Ethics investigation. Nothing says “goodbye” like facing allegations of misconduct while eyeing a promotion.
At the recent Turning Point USA’s AmFest in Phoenix, Gaetz expressed that he’s been inundated with suggestions about his political future. Among the alternatives floated was a potential candidacy for the governor’s mansion in Tallahassee, which won’t be up for grabs until 2026 when the popular Ron DeSantis finishes his term. Such ambitious dreams may be met with a touch of skepticism, especially considering that he’s also entertaining the idea of stepping into the role of special counsel to root out insider trading by his former congressional colleagues. Those particular fantasies might require either an oversized magnifying glass or a new pair of glasses entirely, given the realities of Washington politics.
BREAKING 🚨 Matt Gaetz said he might run for Senate in Florida. MAKE THIS HAPPEN NOW
“It seems I may not have had enough support in the United States Senate, maybe I’ll just run for Marco Rubios seat and join them”
THIS IS WHAT WINNING LOOKS LIKE 🔥 pic.twitter.com/vlmingNitA
— MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice) December 22, 2024
As for Rubio, the plot thickens with the looming vacancy. Speculation in the Sunshine State has intensified as DeSantis weighs his options for who might fill the Republican senator’s shoes. It’s almost like the political kid’s table at Thanksgiving—everybody trying to figure out who gets to sit at the big kids’ table when the time comes. However, the list of candidates just got shorter after Lara Trump, the ex-president’s daughter-in-law, kindly bowed out of the race, announcing a “big announcement” planned for January. Her resignation from the Republican National Committee co-chair position fueled murmurs that she, too, might have her eyes on a significant role.
Adding a bit of spice to this political stew, Gaetz isn’t without his adversaries, particularly within the Republican fold. Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and the collective glares of some House Republicans have not been kind to Gaetz, especially considering his past opposition during McCarthy’s prolonged quest for the speakership. With such a complicated web of relationships, it’s becoming clear that the road to the Senate may not be lined with rose petals, but rather with a few thorns.
As Gaetz explores his prospects while DeSantis gets ready to set the primary and general election dates for his old House seat, anticipation continues to build. The primary is slated for late January, followed by the general election on April 1—talk about an April Fool’s Day joke that might not land well if it ends with a Gaetz victory. Regardless of the outcomes, one thing is crystal clear: Florida’s political stage is heating up, and everyone is waiting to see where the chips fall.
