Former CNN political analyst Chris Sillizza said Wednesday that former Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz of Florida is likely to become governor despite significant “baggage.”
gates said The Tampa Bay Times reported Tuesday that he is considering a run for Florida governor in 2026, just weeks after the House Ethics Committee issued a statement. report He is accused of paying for sexual favors and illegal drugs to more than 10 women, including a 17-year-old girl, from 2017 to 2020. YouTube channelargued that given Florida’s increasingly Republican turn in recent elections, Gaetz is well-positioned to secure the Republican nomination and, subsequently, the gubernatorial race. (Related: CNN’s Scott Jennings says Matt Gaetz’s nomination was a “bridge too far” given the “rocky relationship on the hill”)
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“I know people are rolling their eyes at this, but I honestly think he’s the front-runner for the Republican nomination for governor in 2026. If so, he’s the favorite to win because Florida is moving in a Republican direction.”That’s been pretty significant in the last few elections,” Sillizza said. “Yes, it is definitely possible that we will have a Governor Matt Gates at this time in 2027. I don’t think there is any question.”
The former CNN analyst is among the potential Republican nominees, including Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis, Republican Representative Byron Donald, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody. identified a competitive rival. However, Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, whose term ends in 2026, has appointed Moody as Politico secretary to replace outgoing Republican Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who is nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to be Secretary of State. He pointed out that there is a high possibility that he will be appointed. reported Wednesday.
“Ron DeSantis…said he would make a decision about filling the vacancy that could result from Marco Rubio being confirmed as Secretary of State, which hasn’t happened yet, but we believe it will.” “We expect DeSantis to fill that vacancy or announce his choice in early January,” Sillizza said. “Now, look at the calendar. It’s early January, folks. I think Gaetz wanted to get ahead of all the chatter that would be caused around 2026 if DeSantis made that pick. .”
“Mr. Gaetz has told Byron Donald, Wilton Simpson, Casey DeSantis, Ashley Moody, all the people I just named, that yes, he is probably running for governor. I think he wanted to make that clear.” “And, you know, he’s going to be a pretty formidable candidate even with all the baggage he brings into the race… Gates’ potential candidacy should be taken seriously – I think he’ll run – Because I think he is, given how powerful he is.” He’s probably my favorite in the MAGA movement, both in Florida and nationally. Even if there was all water under the bridge, he would probably still be the front-runner for the Republican gubernatorial nomination and the next governor of Florida. ”
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