Group Linked to McCarthy Aims to Hurt Gaetz's Future Plans
- A group affiliated with Kevin McCarthy aims to hinder Matt Gaetz's plans for statewide office.
- Despite Gaetz's likely primary victory, the group has spent millions to undermine his future political aspirations.
- The battle between the McCarthy-aligned group and Gaetz highlights internal Republican power struggles.
In the lead-up to Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz's congressional primary, a group linked to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has invested millions in efforts to undermine Gaetz's political ambitions. Despite acknowledging that Gaetz is likely to win the primary, insiders claim their strategy is aimed at thwarting his potential gubernatorial aspirations. This primary serves as a critical moment in McCarthy's "revenge tour" against Gaetz and other far-right members who contributed to his ousting as House speaker last October. Polling data from the McCarthy-aligned group indicates that Gaetz is trailing in a hypothetical Republican gubernatorial primary, with only 14% support compared to Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and Rep. Byron Donalds. Gaetz has publicly dismissed the notion that he is planning a gubernatorial run, asserting his commitment to his current role. However, sources close to him suggest that he may indeed pursue the governorship in 2026, potentially spurred on by McCarthy's opposition. The memo from McCarthy's allies highlights Gaetz's struggles in regional polling, where he is not leading in any area, contrasting with his competitors. Meanwhile, the House Ethics Committee continues its investigation into Gaetz, examining serious allegations of misconduct and obstruction. McCarthy has attributed his removal as speaker to Gaetz's refusal to address these ongoing inquiries. Ultimately, while the McCarthy-backed campaign may not succeed in defeating Gaetz in the primary, it aims to weaken his future political prospects and force him to expend resources defending against the allegations and attacks.