In an October 2023 meeting, tensions ran high among House Republicans as they navigated the aftermath of Kevin McCarthy’s departure from the speaker position. Matt Gaetz, a key figure in McCarthy’s ousting, faced off against Illinois Rep. Mike Bost, adding to their history of confrontations.
During the meeting, which occurred weeks after McCarthy’s departure, Gaetz interrupted McCarthy’s attempt to address the group. McCarthy reportedly shouted at Gaetz to sit down, but it was Bost who exhibited more overt anger. Accounts vary, with some reports suggesting Bost was “almost lunging” at Gaetz in a fit of rage.
Matt Gaetz (Credits: CNBC)
Bost’s fury was evident in his words to Gaetz, reportedly saying, “If you don’t sit down, I’ll put you down.” This incident was not the first clash between Gaetz and Bost; earlier in the year, Gaetz had led a group seeking to prevent McCarthy from becoming speaker, prompting Bost to shout him down on the House floor.
Despite Gaetz’s seemingly disinterested response to Bost’s anger, he has taken action against Bost by backing a primary challenger, Darren Bailey, in the Illinois primary. Bailey, a hard-right candidate, filed his candidacy around July 4, 2023, positioning himself as a challenger to Bost in Illinois’ 12th district.
Matt Gaetz (Credits: Rolling Stone)
The primary challenge against Bost has brought attention to the GOP’s internal divisions, with McCarthy allies seeking to retaliate against members like Bost who voted against McCarthy. However, Gaetz’s move to support Bailey’s challenge to Bost is somewhat isolated within the broader MAGA movement.
Bailey and Bost’s policy differences appear minimal. Both candidates prioritize border security and support Trump’s immigration policies.
Bailey’s main criticism of Bost centers on his support for a 2018 House GOP immigration bill, highlighting the lack of significant policy disagreements between the two candidates.
