AP Race Call: Republican Matt Gaetz wins reelection to U.S. House in Florida's 1st Congressional District
Republican Matt Gaetz won election to a U.S. House seat representing Florida on Tuesday, defeating Democrat Gay Valimont. Gaetz will serve a fifth term representing one of Florida's most conservative districts, which covers the westernmost part of Florida's Panhandle. A strong supporter of former President Donald Trump, Gaetz filed the resolution that successfully ousted former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy last year. McCarthy then helped fund a primary challenge to Gaetz that included commercials alleging that he paid for sex with a 17-year-old, an allegation currently investigated by the House Ethics Committee. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing. The Associated Press declared Gaetz the winner at 8:14 p.m. EST.© Copyright The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in this news report may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
