Matt Gaetz will fend off McCarthy-backed primary challenger, CNN projects, while Florida’s Senate matchup is set

CNN —

Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz will fend off a primary challenge Tuesday, CNN projects, overcoming former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s efforts to take revenge on the Republicans who voted for his ouster last year.

Gaetz is projected to defeat retired Navy aviator Aaron Dimmock, who was a late entrant into the race for Florida’s 1st Congressional District and was assisted by McCarthy’s former political team. The long-running feud between the California Republican and Gaetz – who led the effort to oust McCarthy from the speakership – helped propel a flood of contentious advertising that totaled more than $5.2 million, making it among the most expensive GOP House primaries of the year.

During the campaign, Gaetz highlighted Dimmock’s job working remotely for Missouri’s Office of Administration, as well as his previous work as director of a firm that conducts workplace training. Gaetz’s ads sought to portray his opponent as a liberal in disguise, charging that he “teaches radical liberal ideology to DEI groups in Missouri” and branding him “DEI Dimmick,” using the acronym for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Virginia Rep. Bob Good is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on May 7, 2024.

Related article House Freedom Caucus chair concedes Virginia primary to Trump-backed foe after recount

McCarthy’s revenge tour has included one significant victory – helping defeat Virginia Rep. Bob Good, the chairman of the hard-line House Freedom Caucus – but has otherwise fallen short.

Still, the Florida primary could serve as the start of an effort to hurt Gaetz’s prospects for higher office in the Sunshine State. There has been speculation that he could run for governor in 2026 in what’s expected to be a crowded primary to