US Rep. Matt Gaetz ousts Kevin McCarthy-backed opponent in Florida GOP primary

Associated Press

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz has defeated an opponent backed by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to win the Republican primary in one of Florida’s most conservative congressional districts. Gaetz defeated former Navy pilot Aaron Dimmock. He’s considered a lock to beat Democrat Gay Valimont in a district that tends to support Republicans by a better than 2-1 ratio. Gaetz led the effort to oust McCarthy last year, and McCarthy in turn used a political committee to spend $3 million against Gaetz. The committee aired commercials alleging that Gaetz paid for sex with a 17-year-old. The allegation is currently being investigated by the House Ethics Committee. Gaetz maintains his innocence.