Gaetz Easily Beats McCarthy-Backed Challenger Dimmock

August 21, 2024

Congressman Matt Gaetz was reelected Tuesday to represent Florida’s First Congressional District.

Gaetz received about 73% of the vote to challenger Aaron Dimmock’s 27%. Dimmock, a retired Navy officer, was backed by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

“It’s traditional in moments like these with margins of victory like this that you hear from your opponents,” Gaetz told supporters in a video posted to social media about 8:30 Tuesday night. “I have not yet heard from Aaron Dimmock, or Kevin McCarthy this evening. Kevin McCarthy spent $3 million in this race, not attacking my votes or my work on your behalf but simply trying to attack my character. Three million dollars. Three years ago, I got 70% of the vote, and tonight it looks like we’re getting 73% of the vote. So Kevin, if you are watching, spend a little more next time and we’ll get to 80.”

“It goes without saying that this was not the result we had hoped for,” Dimmock said in a social media post. “Running as a first time candidate against a powerful career politician is never easy, but I was honored to have the opportunity to be that alternative.”

Gaetz will now face Democrat Gay Valimont in November in a district that typically leans heavily Republican.

Pictured: Rep. Matt Gaetz during an appearance in Jay.  NorthEscambia.com file photo.

Comments

9 Responses to “Gaetz Easily Beats McCarthy-Backed Challenger Dimmock”

  1. Mike J. on August 22nd, 2024 10:36 am

    I agree with NavyDave and George.

  2. George on August 21st, 2024 5:09 pm

    Matt you should change parties after all you did vote with the democrats instead of the republicans.

  3. Sedition on August 21st, 2024 10:42 am

    Give ‘em hell, Matt.

  4. Susie on August 21st, 2024 10:10 am

    Good job, Matt! Keep up the awesome work.

  5. NavyDave on August 21st, 2024 9:55 am

    First, congrats to Mr. Gaetz. If this wasn’t a closed election and I could’ve voted, I probably would’ve gone for Gaetz as well despite some misgivings. As with everything this election cycle, it’s a ‘less bad of two bad choices’ type thing. I didn’t see stolen valor accusations but Dimmock’s campaign just smelled wrong and may have had an element of misdirection to it. All Dimmock’s commercials touted his Naval Aviator creds and most included reference to flying cover after the 9/11 attacks and using footage of F-35 fighters (which weren’t around yet) just didn’t sit well with me. Just a little research revealed he flew P-3 patrol aircraft. While I respect his service, it smacked a little of Walzism.

    Just because Republicans aren’t oboard with the Trump cult doesn’t make us less conservative however. In fact, true conservatism in the Reagan style would’ve sent Mr. Trump packing long ago. The RINO term is used pretty freely but it doesn’t work other than as an epithet.

  6. JR on August 21st, 2024 9:45 am

    And congressman gates is correct. I never received a single piece of mail or saw a single ad discussing his work, votes, or anything to do with his representing NW FL in DC. Nor did I recieve or see anthing stating Mr. Dimmock’s positions and what he was going to do if elected. All I got was a never ending loop of the 2020 trafficking accusation Gaetz was never charged with.

  7. Just Saying on August 21st, 2024 8:48 am

    Gr8 job Matt. Now keep on kicking that hornets nest named DC!!

  8. M in Bratt on August 21st, 2024 8:35 am

    Kevin McCarthy has again proven that he is a pedigreed California RINO. All the millions his PAC’s spent on this race could have been better spent on many other races including the one for the white house.

  9. Smart Folks Dist.1 on August 21st, 2024 8:29 am

    Glad my vote was counted and was relevant. Gaetz Train!!!