Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Florida, successfully defeated challenger Aaron Dimmock in the primary for Florida’s First Congressional District. Gaetz won with 70.52% of the vote, while Dimmock only received 29.48%. Dimmock, a retired Navy officer, was backed by Super PACs with ties to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who Gaetz and seven other House Republicans had previously helped oust. This primary race was seen by many as part of the “McCarthy revenge tour” against these Republicans.
Gaetz mocked Dimmock’s post-military career as a diversity, equality, and inclusion instructor, using the term in a derogatory way. Dimmock’s supporters ran ads accusing Gaetz of inappropriate behavior with a minor, though Gaetz has vehemently denied these allegations and the Justice Department did not pursue charges. Despite these attacks, Gaetz emerged victorious in the primary.
In the upcoming November election, Gaetz will face Democratic candidate Gay Valimont, a former Florida leader of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. The race between Gaetz and Valimont is expected to be closely watched as Gaetz seeks to maintain his seat in Congress.
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