Matt Gaetz confirmed Friday that he will not return to Congress following his decision to withdraw from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Attorney General. Speaking with Charlie Kirk, Gaetz assured supporters that his commitment to America First remains steadfast: “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch,” Gaetz said. “I do not intend to join the 119th Congress.”
Despite resigning from the current 118th Congress after Trump nominated him for Attorney General, Gaetz’s election to the 119th Congress in the general election remained valid. This could have allowed him to take up his former seat—but he does not intend to do so.
“There are a number of fantastic Floridians who’ve stepped up to run for my seat—individuals who’ve inspired with their heroism and public service,” he told Kirk. “I’m 42 now, and I’ve got other goals in life that I’m eager to pursue—my wife and my family,” he said. “I’m going to be fighting for President Trump, 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.”
His announcement comes a day after he withdrew from his confirmation process for attorney general, citing what many of his allies believe are politically motivated allegations of misconduct. Four anti-Trump senators, including outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), and Senator-elect John Curtis—who is taking up the seat formerly held by anti-Trump diehard Mitt Romney—are believed to have thwarted his confirmation.
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