WASHINGTON – Rep. Matt Gaetz (R., Florida) said on Friday that he would not resign in the face of mounting pressure on reports that the FBI has been investigating him since last summer, in part because he violated federal anti-trafficking laws. sexual.
“Of course not,” Gaetz said in a text message on Friday, asking if he would step down. He declined to say more, citing Good Friday. His lawyer also said that Gaetz would not resign.
With the House in recess, members have remained silent about Gaetz since minority leader Kevin McCarthy (R., California) earlier this week referred to “serious implications” regarding the Federal Bureau of Investigation inquiry. But in the state capital of Tallahassee, Republicans were already discussing who would replace Gaetz, people familiar with the talks said.
“His political brothers are already running for his seat,” said former Florida deputy David Jolly. “They are not isolating him – they are already assuming that Matt’s political career is over.”
“These scandals have reached a point where there is no escape,” said Jolly. “Obviously we’ve reached that point for Matt in Florida politics.”