Staff Reports
Representative Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida, is breaking ranks within the GOP strategy, causing a stir by throwing his support behind challengers to incumbent Republican lawmakers. This move disrupts the Republican Party's plan to avoid primary battles, pitting Gaetz against individuals backed by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC).
Matt Gaetz GOP primary endorsements pit him against McCarthy yet again https://t.co/Ynk3mVqpeW https://t.co/Ynk3mVqpeW
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) December 27, 2023
In Ohio's 9th Congressional District, a pivotal arena for Republicans, McCarthy supports former state Rep. Craig Riedel, while Gaetz champions J.R. Majewski. Gaetz previously backed Majewski in an unsuccessful attempt to unseat incumbent Democrat Marcy Kaptur in 2022, setting the stage for his current divergence from the party line.
Nevada's 3rd District primary sees McCarthy standing by state Rep. Heidi Kasama, while Gaetz throws his weight behind former state Rep. Elizabeth Helgelien. The clash intensifies as Kasama and Helgelien compete to challenge incumbent Democrat Susie Lee, aiming to disrupt her bid for a fourth term in a district that leans slightly Republican.
Despite McCarthy and the NRCC's unwavering support for incumbent Rep. Mike Bost in Illinois for re-election, Gaetz firmly backs Bost's primary opponent, Darren Bailey. The outcome of this race carries significant weight for Republicans striving to retain their House majority, with Gaetz's intervention creating substantial turbulence.
Gaetz's history of challenging McCarthy includes leading a movement to remove him from his position in October. Their turbulent relationship, well-documented over time, includes Gaetz obstructing McCarthy's bid for speakership in January. McCarthy attributes Gaetz's animosity to personal motives, particularly allegations involving sexual misconduct and campaign fund misuse, which Gaetz vehemently denies.
Responding to speculation about his motives, Gaetz dismisses McCarthy as "old news," asserting that his actions align with the party's evolution. He refutes claims that his endorsed candidates might struggle in the general election, emphasizing the importance of primaries in shaping the party's trajectory.
