FIGHTER PILOT & COMBAT VETERAN JEFF WITT ENTERS RACE TO FILL HOUSE SEAT VACATED BY GAETZ
Matt Gaetz resigned from his role as the representative of Florida's 1st congressional district, and now, many others are competing for the role. One notable name is combat Veteran Jeff Witt, who is a noted conservative and is even receiving endorsements from those with ties to President-elect Donald Trump. The primary race is going to feature many possible Republican candidates, here’s a closer look at how Witt stacks up.
Jeff Witt for Florida's 1st Congressional District
Florida's 1st congressional district is in need of new leadership and combat Veteran Jeff Witt is throwing his hat into the ring.
The push for this political role comes after former Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew from the position. Witt is aiming to fight inflation, secure borders, and make our nation’s military stronger.
While some of his opponents may have more political experience, Witt has a noted service record. He is also helping with policies to push the America First agenda, ensuring a smooth transition for the Trump-Vance administration.
Furthermore, top former Trump administration officials, including former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie, are endorsing Witt for the role.
Witt's Background and Military Service
Jeff Witt, 38, is a Harvard-educated businessman, decorated Afghanistan War Veteran, and F-35 fighter pilot with over a decade of military service.
While studying for his undergraduate and MBA degrees, Witt played as a quarterback for the Harvard Crimson football program.
After college, Witt was a part of the military, flying in 82 combat missions during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Today, he’s a resident of Niceville, Florida, a community with strong military ties due to its proximity to Eglin Air Force Base, the largest air base in the world.
A family man, he and his wife Courtney and their four children are well known in the community, actively participating in their church.
Now, Witt is ready to take on the world of politics and put his experiences to use through public service for his community.
"I have served my country in uniform for 14 years, and my dedication to service extends to the community in which my family and I live,” said Witt. “I am excited to meet voters from all across the district in this campaign, and prove to them that they can trust me to be a leader in Congress who represents them with conviction, hard work, and integrity," he continued.
Why Jeff Witt Is Running for Congress
Matt Gaetz had been the representative for Florida’s 1st congressional district from January 2017 until November 2024.
Gaetz resigned from his position because he was taking the role of the U.S. Attorney General in 2025, once Donald Trump is officially in office.
However, plans to have Gaetz lead the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) hit immediate roadblocks when several investigations and allegations came to light, involving sex trafficking, sexual assault, and statutory rape.
These harsh allegations made Gaetz unpopular, even among the Republican Party. With many questioning his personal behavior, he withdraw his name from the role of U.S. Attorney General. However, he had already resigned from his role in Congress.
Furthermore, Gaetz has already said he has no plans to return to Congress, opening the door further for someone else to take his previous role.
Jeff Witt has helped the Republican party, with a specific interest in Trump’s America First agenda; however, there are many other candidates in the field hailing from the GOP.
This includes Florida State Sen. Michelle Salzman, Bernadette Pittman, Dr. Joel Rudman, John Frankman, Keith Gross, and Kevin Gaffney.
However, Witt believes he can help improve Florida through the use of his experience in politics, military service, and policies that will help provide for the concerns of Floridians.
"I will listen to the needs of my constituents, and I will work on their behalf to make Florida’s 1st District the finest place in America for Veterans, businesses, and families," said Witt.
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