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.

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.

Former U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz said he is "starting to think about running for governor" in 2026 in his home state of Florida. "I have a compelling vision for the state,” Gaetz told the Tampa Bay Times.

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

Matt Gaetz isn't batting an eye about the prospects of his political future in wake of the damaging House Ethics Committee report that found the then-congressman paid thousands of dollars for sex, sometimes involving illegal drug use,