Matt Gaetz Says He Will Not Rejoin Congress After Withdrawing From AG Consideration

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) said on Friday that he will not rejoin Congress in January after withdrawing his name from consideration for attorney general.

Gaetz told conservative commentator Charlie Kirk during an interview, “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” CNN reported.

The former Florida congressman resigned from the 118th Congress earlier this month after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him for attorney general. His withdrawal from AG consideration on Thursday prompted journalists to immediately begin exploring whether Gaetz could return to the House next year to serve since he won his November election.

Matt Gaetz tells Charlie Kirk he does not plan to return to Congress:

“I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress.” pic.twitter.com/VVOCoBfu5T

— The Recount (@therecount) November 22, 2024

The nomination of Gaetz, a staunch Trump loyalist, was immediately criticized by Democrats and some Republicans, who expressed concern over the investigations into Gaetz over alleged sexual misconduct. Gaetz announced his decision to drop out of attorney general consideration on Thursday after meeting with senators on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. He said it was “clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.”

The House Ethics Committee has weighed releasing a report on Gaetz after looking into the sexual misconduct allegations against him. CNN reported on Thursday that the Ethics Committee was told of a second alleged sexual encounter between Gaetz and a 17-year-old girl in 2017. According to CNN, Gaetz announced that he was withdrawing his name 45 minutes after reporters had asked for comment from him on the second allegation.

Trump tapped former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to replace Gaetz as the attorney general nominee on Thursday, a move praised by Gaetz.

“@PamBondi is a stellar selection by President Trump for Attorney General,” Gaetz posted on X. “Pam and I worked closely together when she was Florida’s Attorney General and I chaired Criminal Justice in the state house. She’s a proven litigator, an inspiring leader and a champion for all Americans. She will bring the needed reforms to DOJ.”

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To fill Gaetz’s seat, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis called for a special election, and Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd said an election date would be announced as soon as possible. Republicans hold a slim majority in the House, but the party isn’t concerned about losing Gaetz’s seat as Florida’s 1st district is deep red.

Gaetz told Kirk on Friday, “There are a number of fantastic Floridians who’ve stepped up to run for my seat, people who have inspired with their heroism, with their public service. And I’m actually excited to see Northwest Florida go to new heights and have great representation.”

“I’m going to be fighting for President Trump,” he added. “I’m going to be doing whatever he asks of me, as I always have. But I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress.”

Daniel Chaitin contributed to this report.