Don Gaetz, the father of Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, has announced his candidacy for state Senate.
The news was confirmed by The Daily Caller. Don Gaetz, who previously served as the President of the state Senate from 2012-2014, is seeking to replace outgoing state Sen. Doug Broxson. In a tweet, Matt Gaetz shared a photo of a sign for his father's campaign that reads "Better Ideas."
Speaking to the Pensacola News Journal, Don Gaetz explained his decision to run: "I told him, 'I don't have any plans to run for the Senate' but I told people I would listen. So I'm listening. That spread." He also mentioned that a conversation with Frank White, who expressed his willingness to withdraw from the race if Don Gaetz decided to run, made the decision easier.
Meanwhile, Matt Gaetz is currently engaged in a dispute with Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and has announced his intention to file a motion to vacate sometime this week. However, Don Gaetz dismissed rumors that his son is considering a bid for Governor of Florida. He clarified that Matt is focused on addressing budget and spending issues in Washington and advocating for term limits.
Don Gaetz's entry into the state Senate race adds another layer of political intrigue to the Gaetz family's involvement in Florida politics. With his experience as a former state Senate President, Don Gaetz brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.
As the campaign unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the Gaetz family's political dynamics play out and whether Don Gaetz's "Better Ideas" resonate with voters.
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