Republicans in Florida are eyeing the US House seat Rep. Matt Gaetz held since 2016 as the congressman’s legal woes worsen.
According to Politico, Florida Republicans are receiving robocalls over the weekend asking voters if they thought Gaetz would step down due to his legal woes. They were also asked about potential candidates that could replace him in the United States House of Representatives.
Among the names being considered so far are; Laura Loomer, the provocateur who lost a bid for a Florida House seat in the 2020 election, and Florida state House Reps. Alex Andrade and Jayer Williamson. Other names include former challengers to Gaetz, Cris Dosev and Greg Merk. Okaloosa County commissioner, Carolyn Ketchel, Former U.S. Air Force Captain, Mike Hill, and former Florida House Rep. Frank White are also seen as potential candidates.
Gaetz’s district is in the deep red Florida panhandle and is considered to be one of the safest Republican seats in the country.
Gaetz is under investigation by the Department of Justice into allegations that he had sex with a minor and violated sex trafficking and prostitution laws. He has denied the allegations and says he will not resign.
One Republican House member, Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger has called for Gaetz to resign.
