Gaetz, McCarthy Ouster, Draws Solid Support From Republicans at Home

Voters and GOP leaders in Florida’s panhandle rush to defend the young congressman as he sustains repeat attacks from others in his caucus.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) (R) talks to Rep.-elect Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) in the House Chamber during the fourth day of voting for speaker of the House, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2023. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) hails from Florida’s alligator-infested panhandle. But for the 41-year-old, Washington is the real “swamp.”

Chief among the targets in the Florida congressman’s self-professed efforts to drain said swamp has been former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) whom he famously ousted in October after months of feuding.