Matt Gaetz gets last-minute primary challenger [View all]

Source: Axios

5 hours ago


Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) got a last-minute primary challenger for his seat as allies of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) look to exact revenge on the eight lawmakers who voted to oust the California Republican last fall.

Why it matters: McCarthy-aligned former naval aviator Aaron Dimmock filed to run against Gaetz on Friday, just ahead of the Sunshine State's deadline.

McCarthy allies are expected to spend heavily in the race.

The Florida primary is set to take place on Aug. 20.

The intrigue: Gaetz and McCarthy have long had a contentious relationship, with Gaetz having led the efforts to strip McCarthy of his gavel.

McCarthy and his allies have been working to recruit primary challengers for those who supported the ouster.

McCarthy — who resigned from his seat in December — has repeatedly accused Gaetz of leading the push for a motion to vacate over a House Ethics Committee investigation into Gaetz over allegations of sexual misconduct.

Gaetz has denied the investigation is the reason he moved to oust McCarthy, and he took aim at his new primary opponent on social media.

Read more: https://www.axios.com/2024/04/29/matt-gaetz-primary-aaron-dimmock-mccarthy