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Florida Republican Party Chair Evan Power believes former Rep. Matt Gaetz can rebuild his political career in Florida, despite the recent Ethics Committee report detailing allegations of drug use and paying for sex.
Speaking to Newsmax on Tuesday, Power dismissed the possibility of Gaetz being appointed to replace Sen. Marco Rubio, who has been nominated for secretary of state.
Former Trump OMB Director @RussVought: Matt Gaetz is being falsely accused because he’s effective.
“It’s only because he has been confrontational, courageous, convictional leader… and a true generational talent.” pic.twitter.com/UcqN9J3hih
— Citizens for Renewing America (@amrenewcitizen) November 19, 2024
“I think Americans love a second act,” Power said. “I think he can overcome. He should double down and take his fight to the American people and explain, you know, why they released it, why they’re taking him on.”
Power suggested that Gaetz’s path to redemption lies in his transparency about past events and his personal growth, noting his marriage. “He can tell the story of what happened and how he’s changed, he’s married the love of his life, apparently, and has moved on, he can have a second act,” he added. “He is one of the most popular politicians in Florida to this day … he speaks out and fights hard.”
Regarding Rubio’s replacement, Power mentioned several potential candidates, including Attorney General Ashley Moody, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez, former Speaker Jose Oliva, and Rep. Cory Mills.
“I think Gov. [Ron] DeSantis is going to choose a Florida politician, and if you look at who we’re choosing in Florida politics, they’re all fighters,” he said. “They’re all ready to move the ball forward for the conservative mission so I think we have a lot of good choices because we have a very deep bench in Florida.”
Power indicated that Gaetz isn’t being considered for the appointment and isn’t seeking it. He mentioned that DeSantis has narrowed his selection to five or six candidates, with an announcement expected soon.
The Florida GOP chair expressed skepticism about the timing of the Ethics Committee’s report, suggesting political motivations behind its release.
“I think he deserves the right to face his accusers, and obviously, there’s a political slant,” said Power. “The Department of Justice looked into this. They didn’t prosecute for the reasons that they couldn’t evaluate the witnesses. He couldn’t challenge them. I don’t think the case would have stuck.”
Power characterized the report as a “political hit job … they’re trying to take out Matt Gaetz for some reason, probably because he was a problem to the former speaker.”
Despite the controversy, Power remained optimistic about Gaetz’s political future, noting Floridians’ capacity for forgiveness.
