Former Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz made headlines in November when he resigned his congressional seat after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him to serve as attorney general.

While his nomination ultimately fell through, Gatez has since talked about replacing Ron DeSantis as Florida's governor in 2026. 

"I have a compelling vision for the state"

The former Republican legislator discussed that possibility during an interview with the Tampa Bay Times, earlier this week, saying, "I have a compelling vision for the state."

Gatez explained that he is concerned about unaffordable insurance rates in the Sunshine State, a situation which some observers have described as a "crisis."

"I understand how to fix the insurance problem, and it’s not to hand the keys to the state over to the insurance industry. If I run, I would be the most pro-consumer candidate on the Republican side," he declared.

Gatez also addressed allegations of sexual misconduct in his personal life, saying, "Those lies have been told about me for years. They’ve never affected my ability to win elections."

Gatez disputes allegations in ethics report

Last month saw the House Committee on Ethics release a report accusing Gaetz of illegal drug use and paying women he had sex with. It also alleged that he was involved with a 17-year-old high school student.

What's more, the Department of Justice (DOJ) opted not to pursue charges against Gaetz after investigating him for sex trafficking.

Gaetz addressed the House Committee on Ethics report in a social media post, writing, "I dated several of these women for years."

The Biden/Garland DOJ spent years reviewing allegations that I committed various crimes.

I was charged with nothing: FULLY EXONERATED. Not even a campaign finance violation. And the people investigating me hated me.

Then, the very “witnesses” DOJ deemed not-credible were…

— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) December 18, 2024

"My 30's were an era of working very hard - and playing hard too," he declared. “It’s embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanized, drank and smoked more than I should have earlier in life. I live a different life now."

Other Republicans are seen as seen as contenders

The New York Post noted that Gaetz is far from being the only high-profile Republican who could be a contender for DeSantis' job when his term ends.

Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, former Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward, and current Miami Mayor Francis Suarez have also been cited as possible candidates.

Other figures to have been named by pundits include Florida state Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez and Attorney General Ashley Moody.