Matthew Louis Gaetz II, born on May 7, 1982, is a prominent American figure, serving as the U.S. representative for Florida's 1st congressional district since 2017. His district encompasses portions of Walton County and significant areas of Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties.
As a stalwart member of the Republican Party, Gaetz is widely recognized for his unwavering support of far-right politics and his close ties to former President Donald Trump. His political heritage is deeply rooted, being the son of prominent Florida politician Don Gaetz and the grandson of North Dakota politician Jerry Gaetz.
Gaetz was raised in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and pursued higher education at the William & Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Virginia. After graduating, he briefly worked in private practice before venturing into politics. His early political career began with a stint in the Florida House of Representatives, serving from 2010 until 2016.
During his time in the Florida House, Gaetz gained national attention for his defense of the controversial "stand-your-ground law" in Florida. In 2016, he successfully transitioned to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he has since been reelected in 2018, 2020, and 2022.
