Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) made it clear Sunday that he sees himself as the future of the Republican Party in the House. The firebrand congressman told the Wall Street Journal that he has no plans to leave Congress and intends to exert his will on the bench from within.
“I’m trying to reshape the House in my image,” he told the Journal, describing himself as a Republican who can “end wars, close the border, reduce spending” and is a “fighter.”
Gaetz has earned a reputation as one of the House’s boldest members, unafraid to go against party leadership. He led a group of eight Republicans to unseat former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) last year and is among the harshest critics of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
Considered a rising star in the right wing of the Republican Party, Gaetz dismissed rumors that he would seek to succeed Governor Ron DeSantis (R-Florida) when his term ends in 2027, as has been speculated. He also said he would not accept a job in a second Trump administration.
“I’m particularly focused on what the House of Representatives will look like and making sure Donald Trump is elected president,” Gaetz said.
The government’s September funding deadline sets up the next pitched battle for Gaetz, who is not afraid to advocate a government shutdown if it impedes global spending bills.
Gaetz said he plans to again play a significant role as the appropriations process moves forward, adding that he is dissatisfied with Johnson’s attempts to pass single-issue spending bills. The president of the Chamber was unable to reach an agreement with the Senate on spending.
“I like Mike personally and it’s been really painful to be so disappointed,” Gaetz said, without elaborating on his plans.
An influential figure on the right-wing populist wing, the incoming congressman began participating in primary races this year supporting candidates aligned with the Freedom Caucus, often against candidates backed by McCarthy.
McCarthy is now supporting Gaetz’s main opponent, Aaron Dimmock. The pair’s conflict has even become personal, with McCarthy saying in April that Gaetz’s decision to remove him was to avoid an Ethics Committee investigation for sexual misconduct.
The Ethics Committee announced last week that it is now investigating whether Gaetz acted to obstruct investigations into his conduct. The investigations stem from allegations that the parliamentarian engaged in sexual misconduct, used illicit drugs and accepted improper gifts.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
