Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy has publicly endorsed a primary challenger to Representative Matt Gaetz, escalating their ongoing feud. In an interview with Politico, McCarthy announced his support for Aaron Dimmock, a former naval aviator, in the August 20 primary.
McCarthy intensified his criticism of Gaetz, who is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee, calling him “the Hunter Biden of the Republican Party.” He highlighted Gaetz’s alleged misconduct, including sexual misconduct with minors and illegal drug use, while contrasting him with Dimmock’s pro-life and pro-Second Amendment stance.
McCarthy likens Gaetz to the ‘Republican Party’s equivalent of Hunter Biden
Gaetz responded on social media, labeling Dimmock “Missouri-Based” and “DEI Dimmock,” referencing his support for diversity and Black Lives Matter. Gaetz also implied that McCarthy should campaign with Dimmock in Northwest Florida. In a statement, Gaetz refused to take “behavior advice” from McCarthy, hinting at unsubstantiated rumors about the former Speaker’s personal life.
Dimmock, who filed to run in Gaetz’s district last month, is the only challenger to the incumbent. Gaetz’s campaign quickly labeled Dimmock a “DEI Enthusiast” and launched a website portraying him as “woke” and supportive of diversity initiatives.
The feud between McCarthy and Gaetz has been ongoing since Gaetz led the effort to oust McCarthy from the Speakership last fall, with McCarthy citing the ethics investigation as a reason for Gaetz’s actions.
