Johnson Announces Gaetz’s Resignation from Congress Following AG Nomination

WASHINGTON—House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) disclosed during a Nov. 13 press conference that Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) had stepped down from his seat in the House of Representatives following his nomination by President-elect Donald Trump as attorney general.

Although Gaetz will likely encounter a challenging confirmation process in the Senate, Johnson emphasized that Gaetz chose to resign his seat ahead of time to expedite the filling of the vacancy. Gaetz indicated that Florida state law mandates the vacancy to be filled within 8 weeks, according to Johnson.

Gaetz mentioned contacting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier on the same day. Johnson suggested that this could lead to the seat being filled as early as Jan. 3, coinciding with the first sitting of the new Congress.

Johnson spoke highly of Gaetz, describing him as one of the most intelligent individuals in Congress.

“Everyone who’s served with him will tell you he’s one of the most intelligent members of Congress,” Johnson remarked during a Nov. 13 press conference in response to a question from The Epoch Times.

“He’s an accomplished attorney. He’s been very worried about the law fare that has been occurring in the Department of Justice under the Biden administration, and the fact that the American people have lost their faith in the institutions of justice.”

Various House lawmakers had differing opinions on the nomination. Some voiced support while others expressed reservations.

“That’ll be great,” House Majority Whip Tom Emmer told The Epoch Times in response to Gaetz’s nomination.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican from Florida’s congressional delegation, commended the selection.

“Gaetz is going to do great things for our country!” she stated. “He is one of my closest friends in Congress, and we will miss him dearly.”

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) expressed his belief that Gaetz would be a suitable choice.

Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) also lauded the decision, along with Trump’s selection for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth.

Both nominees, Jackson told The Epoch Times, are expected to bring significant changes that are much needed.

Gaetz has served as a congressman for Florida since 2017, leading the effort to replace Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) as House speaker last year. His bio states that he graduated from William and Mary Law School and practiced as an attorney in Florida.

Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) expressed skepticism about Gaetz’s chances of Senate confirmation and critiqued Trump’s decision as “reckless.”

Miller stated that he supports Trump’s nominees but finds Gaetz’s record lacking in productivity.

When asked, Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) laughed and simply said “No.” Rogers had a tense interaction with Gaetz during a previous speaker election vote.

Another Florida congressman, Democrat Rep. Jared Moskowitz, characterized Gaetz as one of Trump’s most effective allies in Congress.

“Matt is very good at what Matt does in Congress and now, he’s going to bring that to the attorney general’s office,” Moskowitz remarked during a CNN interview.

Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) expressed his support for the president of the United States.

Rep. Burgess Everett (R-Utah) expressed a wait-and-see approach, wanting to gauge public opinion before forming his own.

Ultimately, the U.S. Senate’s opinion holds the most weight. Gaetz will need the endorsement of at least 50 senators for confirmation and is likely to face strong resistance from Democrats.

While newly elected Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) pledged swift processing of nominees, Gaetz’s confirmation process may encounter challenges in the Senate. With Senate Republicans able to afford only three defections for nominations, Gaetz will face a tough battle.

With Republicans poised to control 53 seats in the upcoming Congress, in addition to Vice President-elect JD Vance’s tie-breaking vote, Trump will have limited room for defections to secure Gaetz’s confirmation, among other nominees.

Gaetz becomes the third House member offered a role in the administration. Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) and Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) have been nominated for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and national security adviser, respectively.