Unexpected Turn in GOP House Primary: Gaetz’s Surprise Victory

Matt Gaetz wins GOP primary against a formidable opponent backed by Kevin McCarthy—what does this victory signify for the Republican Party?

At a Glance

Matt Gaetz projected to easily defeat Aaron Dimmock in Florida 1st Congressional District.
Gaetz led the effort to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
McCarthy’s PACs spent over $3 million against Gaetz but failed.
Gaetz denies all allegations against him and claims McCarthy smeared him.

Gaetz Triumphs Over McCarthy-Backed Challenger

Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz achieved victory in a fiercely contested GOP House primary against a challenger supported by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Gaetz, representing the Florida 1st Congressional District, easily defeated Aaron Dimmock, showcasing his influence amidst ongoing controversies.

According to CBS News, Gaetz led the vote count with about 72% of votes tallied, leading Dimmock by a staggering 71% to 28%. This result underscores Gaetz’s strong grassroots support and deep-rooted popularity within his district.

Gaetz has faced allegations, including a past investigation into sex trafficking, which the Justice Department did not pursue charges for. The House Ethics Committee suggested that some allegations merit further review, but Gaetz denies all allegations and accuses McCarthy of smearing him to derail his political career. Dimmock faced backlash from Gaetz, who criticized him for his post-military career in diversity training.

The McCarthy-Gaetz Feud: Lingering Tensions

Gaetz’s significant primary victory is seen as part of the fallout from his public feud with McCarthy. Gaetz led the motion to vacate McCarthy from the speakership, a move McCarthy has said was motivated by “revenge and pettiness.” All Democrats and some Republicans supported this motion, resulting in McCarthy’s resignation from Congress.

“Kevin McCarthy was motivated by revenge and pettiness,” Gaetz said to CBS News in an interview.

McCarthy’s political action committees, including Florida Patriots PAC, spent over $3 million on ads against Gaetz, but failed to unseat him. After observing Gaetz’s strong position, the PAC halted spending three weeks before the primary. Nonetheless, the ads highlighted an ongoing Ethics Committee investigation into Gaetz over allegations of drug use and sexual misconduct, which Gaetz dismissed as “frivolous.” With this victory, Gaetz is expected to win the general election in the solidly Republican district come November.

Rep. Matt Gaetz wins the Republican primary for Florida's first district, NBC News projects, handing former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy a final defeat on his revenge tour. https://t.co/lfiKhL63it

— NBC News (@NBCNews) August 21, 2024

Impact on GOP Future and Implications

Gaetz’s win over a McCarthy-backed candidate holds significant implications for the Republican Party. The victory showcases the ongoing internal strife, particularly within factions loyal to former President Donald Trump versus the establishment wing represented by McCarthy. Gaetz has heavily promoted Trump’s endorsement in his campaign ads.

At last month’s Republican convention, McCarthy stated, “I don’t think he’ll ever be able to run for governor like he wants to.”

This primary outcome demonstrates the influence of grassroots support over significant campaign financing. McCarthy and his allies targeted Gaetz and others who supported his ouster. This factional battle within the party will likely continue to play out in future elections, impacting GOP leadership and strategy. Gaetz has no plans to run for Governor but aims to support former President Trump in Washington, further solidifying his position in the Republican landscape.