The former congressman was the focus of a House Ethics panel report accusing him of “regularly” paying for sex and using drugs, which helped doom his short-lived nomination for attorney general.

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody have each been rumored to be considering a run for the Republican nomination. (Moody is also widely seen as the top candidate to be DeSantis’ choice to succeed Marco Rubio in the Senate.)

Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz has sparked speculation about a potential gubernatorial run in 2026. This week, Gaetz confirmed on his conservative talk show that he is considering the possibility,

UCF Political Science Lecturer John Hanley joined FOX 35's Garrett Wymer on Florida Live to break down former Congressman Matt Gaetz reportedly telling the Tampa Bay Times he would consider running for Florida Governor to replace Ron DeSantis in 2026,

Gaetz announced he was resigning his seat in November after President-elect Donald Trump picked him to be his attorney general. However, allegations of sexual misconduct dogged Gaetz’s nomination, and he ultimately withdrew his name from consideration.

FLORIDA MAN has my vote! Godspeed From Titusville. You have my and my family’s votes here in the Space Coast, Matt!👍 As if Florida wasnt already weird enough...

Robby Soave and Niall Stanage discuss former Rep. Matt Gaetz confirming he will run for governor in Florida. #mattgaetz #florida

And now, during an interview with the Tampa Bay Times, Gaetz said that he’s “starting to think about” running for Governor of Florida in 2026. Oh, how neat. He can do his far-right show from the Governor's mansion.