McCarthy's Revenge Tour Flops in Florida

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's strategy to target GOP members who contributed to his ousting has been dubbed his "revenge tour," but recent developments indicate a series of failures. Most notably, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida won his primary against McCarthy-backed challenger Aaron Dimmock by a staggering 45 points, despite a $3.5 million ad campaign aimed at discrediting him. This defeat marks a significant blow to McCarthy's efforts to regain influence within the party. The revenge tour has not only focused on Gaetz but also included attempts to unseat other GOP members like Rep. Nancy Mace in South Carolina and Rep. Eli Crane in Arizona, both of whom secured their primaries with ease. While McCarthy's team did manage to oust Rep. Bob Good in Virginia, this was the only success amid a string of disappointing outcomes. The substantial financial investments made by McCarthy and his allies have yielded little return, raising questions about their effectiveness. Looking ahead, McCarthy's allies are reportedly shifting their focus to the 2026 gubernatorial race in Florida, hoping to undermine Gaetz's potential candidacy. Despite the negative campaigning, local strategists suggest that Gaetz's popularity in his district remains strong, complicating McCarthy's plans. Dimmock's campaign acknowledged the challenges faced in a short timeframe, emphasizing the need for an alternative to Gaetz's controversial tenure. As tensions within the GOP continue to rise, McCarthy's revenge tour illustrates the deep divisions and rivalries that could shape the party's future as the 2024 election cycle approaches.