Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz easily won his primary in Florida’s 1st Congressional District, defeating Aaron Dimmock, a McCarthy-backed Navy veteran, with 72% of the vote. The race was closely watched as part of a broader effort by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to challenge Republicans who voted to oust him from his leadership position last fall.

Gaetz, who led the effort to remove McCarthy, claimed that his victory proved the limits of “big money” influence in politics. He went further, mocking McCarthy for his efforts to oust him in a video posted to social media.

“Kevin McCarthy spent $3 million in this race not attacking my votes or my work on your behalf but just simply trying to attack my character—$3 million,” he said. “Two years ago, I got 70% of the vote and tonight it looks like we’re getting 73% of the vote. So, Kevin, if you’re watching, spend a little more next time and we’ll get to 80.”

McCarthy’s revenge campaign has seen mixed results. While he helped unseat Virginia Rep. Bob Good, R, other Republicans like South Carolina’s Nancy Mace and Arizona’s Eli Crane survived their challenges.

Gaetz is seeking to hold onto the Sunshine State’s 1st Congressional District in the Florida panhandle. The primary is the last in a series of challenges that the former speaker has been linked to in the aftermath of his ouster.

“Kevin McCarthy’s PACs spent over $3 million trying to defeat me and they were unsuccessful,” Gaetz said. “So it shows the limits of the corrupt big money in Washington in a place like Northwest Florida where there’s a strong connection between me and my voters.”

For Gaetz, his win further solidifies his grip on the Florida panhandle’s deep-red district, with some speculating about a possible future run for Florida governor. Gaetz denied those rumors on social media, saying he has “no plans” for a gubernatorial bid and remains focused on supporting former President Donald Trump in Washington.

The McCarthy-Gaetz Feud

The move by Gaetz to oust McCarthy last year was seen by many as the beginning of a new era in American politics, with a growing number of Republicans challenging the party’s establishment. Gaetz’s success in this primary is a sign that this new era is here to stay.

The House Ethics Committee is still investigating Gaetz, who has been accused of sexual misconduct, and was the subject of a Justice Department investigation into alleged sex trafficking. The Justice Department declined to charge Gaetz, and he has denied all allegations against him.

McCarthy has claimed his ouster was due to Gaetz’s personal grievances with the former speaker, since he allowed the ethics investigation into Gaetz’ alleged conduct to proceed. Gaetz said he doesn’t know when the investigation might be completed and accused McCarthy of trying to “smear” him.

Gaetz’s victory is a setback for McCarthy, who has been trying to regain his footing in the Republican Party since his ouster. The former speaker is now facing a difficult decision about whether to run for re-election in his California district, or to retire from politics.

The Future of the Republican Party

The Republican Party is facing a number of challenges, including a growing number of conservatives who are challenging the party’s establishment. The Republican Party is also facing a number of challenges from the Democratic Party, which is becoming more unified and organized under the leadership of President Joe Biden.

Gaetz’s victory is a sign that the Republican Party is in a state of flux, and that the party’s establishment is under pressure. It remains to be seen whether the Republican Party will be able to adapt to these changes and remain a viable political force in the years to come.

The Takeaway