The primary election for Florida’s 1st Congressional district features a heated battle between incumbent Rep. Matt Gaetz and his opponent, former Navy pilot Aaron Dimmock. While not on the ballot, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has been actively involved through a political committee spending about $3 million attacking Gaetz with allegations of misconduct and promoting Dimmock’s campaign.

The race has taken a particularly aggressive turn, with McCarthy’s PAC running ads accusing Gaetz of inappropriate behavior, including allegations involving a minor. Gaetz, who has easily fended off previous primary challengers, sees this as a preview of the challenges he may face if he decides to run for governor in the future.

Despite facing intense scrutiny and negative advertising, Gaetz remains confident in his support from the people of northwest Florida. He refutes all allegations and maintains his innocence, emphasizing that he is focused on his current role in Congress.

Dimmock, the challenger, presents himself as a candidate of character and integrity, motivated to offer voters an alternative to Gaetz. While acknowledging the challenge of facing Gaetz in a district where the Gaetz family holds significant political influence, Dimmock is encouraged by the support he has received from Republicans who are disenchanted with Gaetz’s controversies.

The winner of the primary will go on to face Democrat Gay Valimont in November, with the district historically leaning heavily towards Republican candidates. Gaetz’s unwavering support for former President Donald Trump has earned him a loyal following, with supporters dismissing the allegations against him and focusing on his stance on key issues.

As the primary election approaches, tensions continue to rise between Gaetz and his opponents, underscoring the deep political divide within the district. Both candidates are gearing up for the final stretch of campaigning, each confident in their ability to win over voters and secure victory in the upcoming election.