Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz will not return to Congress following his withdrawal from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general. His decision leaves Florida’s 1st Congressional District vacant, creating a challenge for House Republicans, who are already grappling with a slim majority in the 119th Congress.
On Friday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis scheduled a special election primary for Jan. 28 and a general election for April 1, meaning the seat will remain unfilled for at least 12 weeks. The vacancy further narrows the GOP’s fragile hold, with potential Cabinet appointments for GOP Reps. Elise Stefanik and Michael Waltz threatened to shrink it further.
Newsposter projects Republicans have secured 219 House seats to Democrats’ 213, with three races still undecided.
The GOP majority could be reduced further by resignations or unfilled vacancies like Gaetz’s. DeSantis’ timeline mirrors a similar delay in 2022 when the seat of late Democratic Rep. Alcee Hastings remained vacant for nine months. At least six Florida Republicans have shown interest in running for Gaetz’s reliably red seat.
In an interview with Charlie Kirk, Gaetz confirmed he would not seek to return to Congress, stating he would continue supporting Trump and noting, “Eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress.”
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