Matt Gaetz Triumphs in Republican Primary Against McCarthy-Backed Rival

Representative Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida, successfully overcame a primary challenge from Aaron Dimmock for Florida’s First Congressional District.

The Associated Press declared Gaetz the winner at 7:13 p.m. on Tuesday while votes were still being counted.

With only early voting and mail-in ballots accounted for, Gaetz led Dimmock by a significant margin, 70.52% to 29.48%, according to the Florida Division of Elections.

Dimmock, a retired Navy officer, had support from Super PACs associated with former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. This connection is particularly notable as Gaetz was part of a group of eight Republican representatives who successfully pushed to remove McCarthy from his role as Speaker last year. Since then, many of these representatives have faced challengers backed by substantial financial resources, a series of contests some analysts have labeled as the “McCarthy revenge tour.” Thus far, only one incumbent, Rep. Bob Good from Virginia, has lost among them.

During the campaign, Gaetz openly mocked McCarthy’s endorsement of Dimmock. He criticized Dimmock for his career after the military, which involved training corporate managers in issues surrounding diversity. Gaetz referred to Dimmock as a diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) instructor, a title that has become a pejorative among Republican circles. At a campaign rally, Gaetz went as far as to label DEI initiatives as “anti-white racism.”

Meanwhile, Dimmock’s supporters flooded the district with advertising aimed at Gaetz, targeting accusations that he had engaged in sexual relations with a 17-year-old girl. Gaetz has firmly denied these allegations, and although the Justice Department opted not to pursue charges last year, the House Ethics Committee continues to investigate the matter.

One particularly harsh advertisement funded by the Florida Patriots PAC boldly stated, “Your daughters are never safe with the real Matt Gaetz.”

Looking ahead, Gaetz will face Democratic candidate Gay Valimont in the upcoming November election. Valimont previously served as the Florida leader for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, positioning her as a notable opponent in the race.

As the campaign trail heats up, both candidates will likely seek to rally their bases and garner support ahead of what is expected to be a competitive election.

Source: Pensacola News Journal