Former Senate President Don Gaetz launches campaign to reclaim spot in legislature

Former Senate President Don Gaetz announced his election campaign in Senate District 1 on Monday in an attempt to return to the state legislature after serving from 2006 to 2016.

Following weeks of speculation, Gaetz made his campaign official on Monday through various media outlets but has yet to officially file with the state’s Division of Elections.

Frank White, the only other individual to file for candidacy — having done so in February — is reportedly dropping out of the race in support of Gaetz. White’s campaign website, which previously solicited donations, has been taken down, as of Monday afternoon.

“It’s apparent that while we are a low tax state, we are also a high electricity cost, high insurance if you can find it state and a high housing cost state,” Gaetz told The Associated Press. “High costs, these kitchen table issues, make it hard for people to live here. The state of Florida has to become an affordable state to live in.”

Gaetz holds significant political clout in the Florida Panhandle, having previously served as Senate President from 2012 to 2014. He also serves on the Florida Commission on Ethics and was the Chair of Triumph Gulf Coast, an entity he helped create, from 2018 to 2022.

The District 1 seat, currently occupied by Republican Sen. Doug Broxson, will become available due to Broxson reaching his term limit. Gaetz is notably the father of U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz, who is rumored to be preparing a run for governor in 2026, following Gov. Ron DeSantis‘ second term.

This is a developing story.