https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2024/nov/22/trump-administration-cabinet-transition-white-house-updates

In a new interview on Friday, Matt Gaetz revealed that he will not be returning to Congress next year.

Speaking to conservative talk show host Charlie Kirk, Gaetz, who withdrew his attorney general nomination yesterday, said:

“I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” CNN reports.

The former Florida representative went on to add:

“There are a number of fantastic Floridians who’ve stepped up to run for my seat, people who have inspired with their heroism, with their public service. And I’m actually excited to see northwest Florida go to new heights and have great representation… I’m going to be fighting for President Trump. I’m going to be doing whatever he asks of me, as I always have. But I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress.”

Gaetz was elected in 2016 and served up until two weeks ago when he resigned following his nomination by Donald Trump to serve as attorney general.

However, swamped by public scrutiny over his sexual assault allegations and a House ethics committee investigation into the claims, Gaetz retracted his name this week.

In a statement about his nomination withdrawal, Gaetz said:

“While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.”