Matt Gaetz Seeks Reelection, Controversial Republican Slammed On Twitter
After calls to resign in 2021 amid an ethics investigation, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., announced Saturday that he will run for reelection in 2022. The announcement drew a wave of backlash on Twitter.
“It’s choose your fighter time," Gaetz told a crowd in Fort Walton Beach. "I’m your Florida man. I’m ready to take the fight to Washington and I hope you’ll fight with me.”
When asked about why he is running again, Gaetz replied that he continues "to be inspired by the people of northwest Florida" and that he thinks he has "an important role to play in fashioning the shape and flavor of the upcoming majority."
Democrats have a slim majority in the House and some political experts believe Republicans can win it back in November. It's unclear whether Gaetz will have a big role in the House should Republicans win the House.
Gaetz, 39, was first elected into office in November 2016. His district is in the panhandle of Florida.
Gaetz, an ardent supporter of former President Donald Trump, has a long list of controversies.
In May 2021, Gaetz's associate, Joel Greenberg, pleaded guilty to six federal charges, including the sex trafficking of a 17-year-old girl. As part of Greenberg's plea deal, he cooperated with the Justice Department's investigation of Gaetz for allegedly sex trafficking the same 17-year-old girl. There is also an investigation into whether Gaetz violated federal sex trafficking laws by paying her to travel with him across state lines. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing.
In a 15-year span, Gaetz received 16 speeding tickets and was arrested for driving under the influence after driving back from a nightclub.
Twitter reacted to Gaetz's tweet, noting the grammar mistakes, as well as his recent controversies. "Florida man" was a top trending topic on Sunday.
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