Matt Gaetz, the Republican congressman from Florida, is facing a significant decline in public approval. According to a recent survey conducted by the Florida Atlantic University Mainstreet PolCom Lab, only 21 percent of Floridians expressed their approval of Gaetz’s performance in office, while a staggering 57 percent disapprove.
These results are a far cry from Gaetz’s overwhelming victory in the 2022 election, when he secured Florida’s 1st Congressional District by a substantial margin of 35 percentage points. However, recent events have tarnished Gaetz’s reputation and caused public sentiment to sour.
Gaetz’s involvement in high-profile controversies and his far-right stance have raised concerns among Floridians. One such incident involved his attempt to oust former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy for coordinating a bipartisan effort to prevent a government shutdown. This move drew widespread attention to Gaetz’s divisive tactics and his alliance with a minority group of conservative colleagues.
Moreover, Gaetz’s scandals, including allegations of sexual assault and misuse of funds, have further marred his reputation. Although the Justice Department concluded its investigation in February, opting not to pursue criminal charges due to insufficient evidence, the controversies surrounding Gaetz have persisted.
Despite the negative publicity, Gaetz remains undeterred. Rumors have circulated that he may run to unseat Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the 2026 gubernatorial election. However, Gaetz dismissed these reports as “overblown clickbait,” emphasizing his primary focus on securing a second term for former President Donald Trump.
Nevertheless, Gaetz’s political future hangs in the balance. If he fails to garner sufficient support to retain his current seat, he may find himself forced out of politics altogether. Kevin Wagner, a pollster and political science professor at FAU, acknowledged the unfavorable poll results but noted that public sentiment can change over time. He pointed out that even those who disapprove of Gaetz’s actions may still vote for him if they perceive the alternative choices as less favorable.
In conclusion, Matt Gaetz’s approval ratings have plummeted among Floridians, reflecting their dissatisfaction with his performance in Congress. As he faces ongoing controversies and potential challenges in the future, Gaetz’s political career remains uncertain.
