Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Matt Gaetz

Discover the career path of Matt Gaetz, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Matt Gaetz is an American politician and lawyer. As a Republican, he represented Florida's 1st congressional district from 2017 until 2024. Gaetz, who identifies as a libertarian populist, is known for his far-right political views and strong support for Donald Trump. A notable action includes his October 2023 motion to vacate, which resulted in Kevin McCarthy's removal as Speaker of the House.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1933: Represented District

Since 1933, Matt Gaetz is only the seventh person to represent Florida's 1st district.

1963: Represented District

Since 1963, Matt Gaetz is only the seventh person to represent Florida's 1st district.

1973: Reference to the War Powers Act

In April 2019, Matt Gaetz signed a letter referencing the War Powers Act of 1973, urging Trump to sign Senate Joint Resolution 7 to end unauthorized US military participation in the Saudi-led coalition's armed conflict against Houthi forces in Yemen.

2002: Gaetz Voted to Repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution

In June 2021, Matt Gaetz voted to repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.

February 6, 2008: Admitted to the Florida Bar

On February 6, 2008, Matt Gaetz was admitted to the Florida Bar.

March 2010: Won Special Election

In March 2010, Matt Gaetz won the special election to succeed Ray Sansom in the 4th district after Sansom's resignation.

2010: Elected to Florida House of Representatives

In 2010, Matt Gaetz was elected to the Florida House of Representatives.

2010: Elected for a full term

In 2010, Matt Gaetz was unopposed for a full term in the Florida House of Representatives.

2012: Re-elected unopposed

In 2012, Matt Gaetz was re-elected unopposed to the Florida House of Representatives.

2012: Niger announced ending Security Relationship with the United States

In March 2024, Niger announced it was ending its security relationship with the United States, which had been in place since 2012.

May 2013: Ethanol Content Mandate Elimination

In May 2013, legislation co-proposed by Matt Gaetz to eliminate the federal ethanol content mandate in gasoline sold in Florida was signed by Governor Rick Scott.

2013: Announced Run for State Senate Seat

In 2013, Matt Gaetz announced that, in 2016, he would run for the 1st district State Senate seat held by his father.

2014: Re-elected unopposed

In 2014, Matt Gaetz was re-elected unopposed to the Florida House of Representatives.

2015: Gaetz disagrees with Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage

Following the U.S. Supreme Court's Obergefell v. Hodges decision in 2015, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, Matt Gaetz publicly disagreed with the ruling. He stated that individual states should have the right to decide on the issue of same-sex marriage and characterized the decision as "judicial activism" that threatened democracy.

2015: Sponsored amendment to repeal state ban on same-sex adoptions

In 2015, Matt Gaetz, as a Florida state representative, co-sponsored an amendment with Representative David Richardson to repeal the state's ban on same-sex adoptions. He also influenced his father, a member of the Florida State Senate, to support the repeal.

March 2016: Pirozzolo Donation to 'Friends of Matt Gaetz'

In March 2016, Jason Pirozzolo gave a $1,000 donation to Matt Gaetz's campaign arm, "Friends of Matt Gaetz".

March 21, 2016: Withdrew from State Senate Race

On March 21, 2016, Matt Gaetz withdrew from the race for the 1st district State Senate, instead running for the U.S. House seat.

August 30, 2016: Won Republican Primary

On August 30, 2016, Matt Gaetz won the Republican primary with 35.7 percent of the vote, virtually assuring his victory in the general election.

2016: Gaetz Promises to Kill Muslim Terrorists and Build the Wall

During his 2016 congressional campaign, Matt Gaetz promised in several commercials to "kill Muslim terrorists and build the wall."

2016: Gaetz acknowledged global warming but dissented from scientific consensus

In 2016, Matt Gaetz acknowledged global warming but said he disagrees with the scientific consensus on climate change that human activity is the primary cause.

2016: Gaetz Shouts Trump's Slogan

In 2016, Matt Gaetz closed his town hall by shouting Trump's 2016 campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again".

2016: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives

In 2016, Matt Gaetz was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

2016: Gaetz Opposed Sanctuary Cities

In 2016, upon announcing his run for Congress, Matt Gaetz expressed opposition to sanctuary cities and said that undocumented immigrants were "sucking us dry".

January 2017: Gaetz proposed legislation to abolish the Environmental Protection Agency

In January 2017, Matt Gaetz proposed legislation to abolish the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), claiming that it hurts small businesses via the costs associated with compliance.

February 23, 2017: Gaetz holds a "nonverbal town hall"

On February 23, 2017, Matt Gaetz prepared a "nonverbal town hall" in Pace, Florida, with parts of his speech printed on giant boards, in anticipation of protesters. He was questioned about Trump, the Affordable Care Act, and the Environmental Protection Agency at the meeting.

April 2017: Gaetz labeled as a climate change denier

In April 2017, the Center for American Progress and Vice Media labeled Matt Gaetz as a climate change denier, citing his 2016 statements on global warming.

May 2017: Pirozzolo Donation to 'Friends of Matt Gaetz'

In May 2017, Jason Pirozzolo gave a $1,000 donation to Matt Gaetz's campaign arm, "Friends of Matt Gaetz".

September 2017: Gaetz keynotes American Medical Marijuana Physicians Association's annual conference

In September 2017, Matt Gaetz was the keynote speaker at the American Medical Marijuana Physicians Association's annual conference.

October 12, 2017: Gaetz Introduced a Resolution Affirming Connection Between Jewish People and Jerusalem

On October 12, 2017, Matt Gaetz introduced a resolution affirming the connection between the Jewish people and Jerusalem and condemning UNESCO's efforts to the contrary.

November 2017: Gaetz joined the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus

In November 2017, Matt Gaetz joined the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus, advocating for technological innovation and economic incentives to address climate change, and increased federal funds for global warming research.

December 2017: Gaetz Supported Trump's Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as Israel's Capital

In December 2017, Matt Gaetz supported Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and said that the move would pressure Palestine to recognize Israel.

December 19, 2017: Gaetz voted against Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act

On December 19, 2017, Matt Gaetz was the only representative to vote against the Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act, explaining his vote was due to his small government principles.

2017: Ball and Murphy Start Working for Gaetz

In 2017, Luke Ball and Devin Murphy began working for Matt Gaetz when he joined Congress.

2017: Elected as U.S. Representative

In 2017, Matt Gaetz began serving as the U.S. representative for Florida's 1st congressional district.

2017: Gaetz voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

In 2017, Matt Gaetz voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, acknowledging the bill's pass-through tax deduction would benefit Trump, but adding that many Americans benefit when commercial real estate becomes easier and more accessible.

February 27, 2018: Gaetz Voted Against the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act

On February 27, 2018, Matt Gaetz voted against the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act, which had been combined with the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act.

May 2018: Gaetz votes to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

In May 2018, Matt Gaetz was one of 18 House Republicans to vote to nominate Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in peace talks with North Korea.

2018: Campaign Advisor to Ron DeSantis

In 2018, Matt Gaetz served as a top campaign adviser to Ron DeSantis during his gubernatorial campaign, managing debate preparations and helping steer early policy decisions.

2018: Re-elected to U.S. House of Representatives

In 2018, Matt Gaetz was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

April 2019: Gaetz requested a meeting with Trump regarding US military participation in Yemen

In April 2019, after the House passed a resolution withdrawing American support for the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen, Matt Gaetz was one of nine lawmakers to sign a letter to Trump requesting a meeting with him and urging him to sign Senate Joint Resolution 7 to end unauthorized US military participation in the Saudi-led coalition's armed conflict against Houthi forces in Yemen.

July 24, 2019: Gaetz questions Mueller during congressional testimony

On July 24, 2019, during Robert Mueller's testimony to two congressional committees, Matt Gaetz questioned Mueller about whether the Russians interfered through Christopher Steele, suggesting Steele should have been charged with lying if he was untruthful.

October 2019: Gaetz not allowed to join lawmakers' closed-door deposition of Fiona Hill

In October 2019, Matt Gaetz was not allowed to join lawmakers' closed-door deposition of former White House Russia aide Fiona Hill because he was not a member of the Intelligence, Foreign Affairs, or Oversight and Reform Committees.

November 2019: Gaetz votes for the MORE Act

In November 2019, Matt Gaetz was one of only two Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee to vote for the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, which sought to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act.

2019: Gaetz Introduced the Super Pollutants Act

In 2019, Matt Gaetz and Democratic Representative Scott Peters introduced the bipartisan Super Pollutants Act, which aimed to slow climate change by regulating greenhouses gases, especially black carbon, hydrofluorocarbons, and methane.

2019: Gaetz Voted Against Condemning Trump's Withdrawal from Syria

In 2019, Matt Gaetz was one of 60 representatives to vote against condemning Trump's withdrawal from Syria.

February 2020: No Longer Accepting PAC Contributions

In February 2020, Matt Gaetz announced that he would no longer accept campaign contributions from federal political action committees.

2020: Publication of 'Firebrand'

In 2020, Matt Gaetz published a book titled 'Firebrand' where he criticizes former House speaker Paul Ryan.

2020: Gaetz Voted Against the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020

In 2020, Matt Gaetz voted against the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020 which authorizes DHS to nearly double the available H-2B visas for the remainder of FY 2020.

2020: Re-elected to U.S. House of Representatives

In 2020, Matt Gaetz was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

March 30, 2021: Reported possible job at Newsmax and Justice Department investigation

On March 30, 2021, Axios reported that Matt Gaetz was considering leaving Congress early for a job at Newsmax. Simultaneously, The New York Times reported that the Justice Department was investigating Gaetz. Investigators also examined whether Gaetz used campaign money for travel and expenses related to young women and if cash and drugs were involved.

March 31, 2021: McCarthy's Statement on Gaetz

On March 31, 2021, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy stated that he had no immediate plans to remove Matt Gaetz from his positions on the Judiciary and Armed Services Committees. However, McCarthy indicated that his decision might change if Gaetz were indicted or if the allegations against him proved to be true.

May 7, 2021: "America First Tour" Begins

On May 7, 2021, Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene began a nationwide "America First Tour" in The Villages, Florida.

June 2021: Gaetz Introduced the Digital Health Pass Prevention Act

In June 2021, Matt Gaetz introduced the Digital Health Pass Prevention Act (DHPPA), aimed at preventing federal funding and enforcement of digital passes associated with COVID-19 vaccination status.

June 2021: Gaetz Voted to Repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution

In June 2021, Matt Gaetz was one of 49 House Republicans to vote to repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.

August 2021: Gaetz co-sponsored resolution to impeach Mayorkas and Biden

In August 2021, Matt Gaetz co-sponsored a resolution by Andy Biggs to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. Later that month, he also co-sponsored a resolution by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene to impeach President Biden.

October 2021: Florida Bar Suspension

In October 2021, Matt Gaetz was suspended from practicing law by the Florida bar due to unpaid fees. He was later reinstated after the fee was paid.

2021: Launch of 'Firebrand' Podcast

In 2021, Matt Gaetz launched a podcast also titled 'Firebrand'.

2021: Gaetz Voted Against Condemning Myanmar Coup D'état

In 2021, Matt Gaetz was one of 14 House Republicans to vote against a measure condemning the Myanmar coup d'état that overwhelmingly passed, for reasons reported to be unclear.

July 26, 2022: Gaetz Voted Against the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act

On July 26, 2022, Matt Gaetz voted against the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act, which passed 401–20.

2022: House Speaker Election

In 2022, Matt Gaetz and other members of the Freedom Caucus withheld votes from Kevin McCarthy in the House Speaker election. Gaetz nominated Trump once and voted for Trump on the 7th, 8th and 11th ballots. On the 15th and last ballot, Gaetz switched his vote to "present", allowing McCarthy to win the speakership.

2022: Voted against the Respect for Marriage Act

In 2022, Matt Gaetz voted against the Respect for Marriage Act, which aimed to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and codify legal recognition of marriage to opposite-sex marriage in federal law.

2022: Voted for the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022

In 2022, Matt Gaetz was among 39 Republicans who voted in favor of the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022, an antitrust package designed to regulate corporations for anti-competitive behavior.

2022: Re-elected to U.S. House of Representatives

In 2022, Matt Gaetz was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

June 2023: House Ethics Committee Resumes Investigation

In June 2023, the House Ethics Committee resumed its investigation, which had been deferred at the request of the Justice Department, into allegations that Matt Gaetz may have engaged in sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, misused state identification records, converted campaign funds to personal use, and/or accepted a bribe, improper gratuity, or impermissible gift.

September 2023: Gaetz denounced Biden impeachment effort

In September 2023, days after a Biden impeachment inquiry was opened, Matt Gaetz denounced the impeachment effort as a political stunt during a video conference moderated by Steve Bannon.

October 2, 2023: Gaetz files resolution to oust McCarthy

On October 2, 2023, Matt Gaetz filed a resolution to remove Kevin McCarthy from his position as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, after McCarthy worked with Democrats to pass a resolution to avert a government shutdown. The resolution ultimately passed with a vote of 216–210.

October 2023: Filed motion to vacate leading to removal of Kevin McCarthy

In October 2023, Matt Gaetz filed a motion to vacate which led to the removal of Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

October 2023: Motion to Vacate Filed

In October 2023, Matt Gaetz filed a motion to vacate which resulted in the removal of Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

2023: Gaetz's Votes on Military Actions and Support for Israel

In 2023, Matt Gaetz was among 47 Republicans to vote in favor of H.Con.Res. 21, which directed president Joe Biden to remove U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days. He also voted to provide Israel with support following the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.

2023: Gaetz voted against the Fiscal Responsibility Act

In 2023, Matt Gaetz was among the 71 Republicans who voted against final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act in the House.

March 2024: Niger Announced Ending Security Relationship with the United States

In March 2024, Niger announced it was ending its security relationship with the United States, which had been in place since 2012.

April 2024: Gaetz Voted Against Military Aid Package for Ukraine

In April 2024, Matt Gaetz voted against the $60 billion military aid package for Ukraine, although much of the money would have gone to his constituency.

November 13, 2024: Nomination for Attorney General

On November 13, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced he would nominate Matt Gaetz to serve as United States attorney general, leading to his resignation from the House of Representatives. Gaetz later withdrew from consideration for the post.

November 2024: Gaetz Resigned from House Before Ethics Report Release

In mid-November 2024, days before the committee was scheduled to vote whether to release its report, Matt Gaetz resigned from the House, in part due to an announcement of his nomination as United States Attorney General for Donald Trump's second term. This action caused the committee to lose jurisdiction to continue its probe and prevented the release of the report.

November 21, 2024: Gaetz Withdraws from Attorney General Consideration

On November 21, 2024, Matt Gaetz announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he was withdrawing his name from consideration as attorney general to avoid complicating the Trump transition.

2024: Condemns schools and introduces "National Prayer In School Act"

In 2024, Matt Gaetz condemned schools for promoting what he described as "degenerate LGBT and anti-White propaganda" and introduced his "National Prayer In School Act".

2024: Gaetz supports anti-cannabis candidates

In 2024, Matt Gaetz did not find positions on marijuana to be a dealbreaker in the Republican Speaker nominee selection, repeatedly supporting anti-cannabis candidates.