In a surprising turn of events, the announcement that former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) would not be taking his seat in the new Congress had some members cheering. On Friday, the acting House clerk shared the news with a simple statement: Gaetz had informed them he would not serve in the 119th Congress.
This news was met with applause from several members, with some on both sides of the aisle visibly relieved. Many of them, who are no fans of Gaetz, were quick to celebrate the decision.
Here’s the backstory: Gaetz had won reelection but decided to resign in November, right after President-elect Donald Trump revealed plans to nominate him for attorney general. However, some Republican senators raised concerns about Gaetz’s involvement in a federal investigation and an ethics probe related to allegations of improper conduct. These concerns were enough for Gaetz to step away from the attorney general role and withdraw his name from consideration.
Despite winning his reelection, Gaetz won’t be returning to Congress. Instead, he’s shifted gears, making a name for himself as a media personality on the far-right cable channel, One America News Network. It’s clear that his political journey has taken a new direction, one that’s keeping him far from Capitol Hill.
It’s a twist that’s caught many by surprise, but it’s also left some members of Congress breathing a little easier.