Matthew Louis Gaetz II, born on May 7, 1982, is an American attorney and political figure who has represented Florida's 1st congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2017. This district encompasses parts of Walton County and the majority of Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties. As a member of the Republican Party, Gaetz is known for his strong alignment with far-right ideologies and his close association with former President Donald Trump.
Raised in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Matt Gaetz is the son of influential politician Don Gaetz and the grandson of North Dakota politician Jerry Gaetz. He earned his law degree from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, and initially practiced law privately. Gaetz entered politics and served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2010 to 2016, where he gained national recognition for his defense of the state's controversial "stand-your-ground law."
In 2016, Gaetz won election to the U.S. Congress and has successfully retained his seat in subsequent elections in 2018, 2020, and 2022. Throughout his congressional career, he has been a vocal advocate for policies that resonate with his constituents and continues to play a significant role in national GOP discussions.
