The state of Florida could not possibly elect anyone more inept and utterly devoid of common sense than current Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), right?
Hold that thought, because it now appears that the next governor of the Sunshine State could be none other than Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who is expected to soon announce his plans to run in the 2026 gubernatorial race.
According to NBC News, Gaetz is “100% in” on the idea of seeking the Florida GOP gubernatorial nomination just as soon as he’s finished helping failed former president Donald Trump win the 2024 election.
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.
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Gaetz was a top adviser to DeSantis’ 2018 gubernatorial bid, but the two have since had a falling out. Gaetz has become among the most vocal backers of Trump, whose presidential campaign now leads in most primary polling by significant margins over the rest of the field.
Would Gaetz have a snowball’s chance in Miami of winning in 2026? Considering that there will likely be a large field, 30% of the vote could guarantee the Republican nomination, and since Florida already leans Republican, that could mean that the congressman would be getting one hell of a political promotion.
“He’s 100 percent in,” said a Florida Republican operative on Gaetz running for governor. “I think Gaetz is an instant front-runner and from what I hear he’s already won the Trump primary.”
However, if Gaetz does choose to run for governor, many of the allegations made against him in the past — rumors that he has a sexual preference for underage girls and was involved in a sexual trafficking ring that sent one his best friends to prison — would undoubtedly surface yet again, even though the congressman was never charged for whatever role he played in allegedly transporting girls younger than 18 across state lines for the purposes of engaging in sex and later paying them for their silence via Venmo.
According to Gaetz, his only goal is being a loyal toady for Trump:
“Many did encourage me to consider running for governor one day. 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.
Be afraid, Floridians. Be very afraid.
