Former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida has announced that he will not be rejoining Congress after withdrawing from consideration to be President-elect Donald Trump’s attorney general due to sexual misconduct allegations. Gaetz, who has been in elected office for 14 years and was just re-elected to another term, cited other goals in life, including spending time with his wife and family, as reasons for his decision. He stated that it is a good time for new representation in his district and plans to support President Trump from a different platform.
Gaetz faced controversy over the allegations against him, which he denies, calling them false and an attempt to smear his reputation. He resigned from Congress last week after Trump announced his nomination for attorney general, but cannot return to the current Congress due to his resignation. Despite the allegations, Gaetz remains committed to supporting Trump and believes there is no basis for the claims against him.
There were questions about whether Gaetz would rejoin Congress after removing himself from consideration for attorney general and whether the House Ethics Committee would proceed with releasing its report on the allegations against him. Gaetz’s decision not to return to Congress leaves room for new leadership in his district and allows other candidates in Florida to step up.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
