Gaetz Defeats McCarthy-Endorsed Challenger in Primary

August 22, 2024

Matt Gaetz has defeated Kevin McCarthy-endorsed Aaron Dimmock in a significant GOP primary.

At a Glance

Rep. Matt Gaetz won his primary against Navy veteran Aaron Dimmock.
Dimmock was endorsed by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Gaetz’s victory underscores his strong grassroots support.
The McCarthy-backed Florida Patriots PAC spent $3.5 million against Gaetz.

Gaetz Triumphs over McCarthy-Backed Opponent

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., has emerged victorious against his GOP primary challenger Aaron Dimmock, a Navy veteran with the backing of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. Gaetz secured a commanding lead with 72.5% of the votes, while Dimmock managed 27.5%. The outcome signifies robust grassroots support for Gaetz despite the substantial efforts and financial backing from McCarthy and his aligned super PAC, the Florida Patriots PAC.

Gaetz’s victory is seen as a key measure of his political resilience amidst continued controversies. The Florida Patriots PAC invested $3.5 million on ads highlighting an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation into Gaetz over allegations of drug use and sexual misconduct. Gaetz has dismissed these accusations as “frivolous.” The super PAC ceased expenditures three weeks before the primary, a sign of Gaetz’s powerful position.

As expected, Rep. Matt Gaetz wins primary against last minute challenger Aaron Dimmock, who was boosted by allies of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy https://t.co/HML0CKu2pv

— Emily Brooks (@emilybrooksnews) August 21, 2024

A Clash of GOP Titans: Gaetz vs. McCarthy

The primary in Florida’s 1st Congressional District underscored the deep-seated feud between Gaetz and McCarthy. Gaetz had led the charge to vacate McCarthy from the Speaker’s chair in October 2023, a motion that passed with the support of just eight Republicans. Following his ousting, McCarthy and his allies targeted Gaetz and other Republicans who had voted for the motion, funding primary challengers against them.

“Kevin McCarthy was motivated by revenge and pettiness,” Gaetz accused, emphasizing the bitter rivalry.

Despite McCarthy’s efforts, Gaetz’s victory reflected his enduring appeal among Republican voters in his district. Other GOP members who had supported McCarthy’s ousting, such as Reps. Nancy Mace of South Carolina and Eli Crane of Arizona, also survived their primary challenges. McCarthy’s only notable success was in aiding the defeat of House Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good, R-Va.

#FL01 (R): Rep. Matt Gaetz 70%, Aaron Dimmock 30% after the 1st 18,573 votes counted in Escambia County (Pensacola) https://t.co/BGxlCQgIIf

— Greg Giroux (@greggiroux) August 21, 2024

Trump’s Endorsement and Gaetz’s Future

Former President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Gaetz played a crucial role in bolstering his campaign. Gaetz prominently featured Trump’s support throughout his campaign efforts, which likely contributed to the overwhelming voter turnout in his favor. Gaetz is a close ally of Trump and is anticipated to secure a win against Democrat Gay Valimont in the upcoming general elections, given the district’s strong Republican leanings.

“I don’t think he’ll ever be able to run for governor like he wants to,” McCarthy said at last month’s Republican convention, adding fuel to the fiery discourse.

Eyes are now on Gaetz’s future endeavors, yet he has dismissed speculation about a gubernatorial run, stating his intent to continue supporting Trump in Washington. Gaetz’s victory reaffirms his position as a formidable force within the party, potentially reshaping the party’s internal structure and signaling a shift towards more grassroots-oriented dynamics.