Far-right Congressman Matt Gaetz of Florida just announced that he'll run for reelection to continue representing Florida's 1st Congressional District, giving followers the news in an error-ridden tweet touting himself as their "Florida Man."
Gaetz is a popular figure among conservative supporters of former President Donald Trump, but his reelection bid was never a sure thing. He remains a central figure in an ongoing criminal investigation probing allegations of the sex trafficking of a minor. Amid Trump's second impeachment for inciting an insurrection, Gaetz offered to resign for the chance to represent Trump in his Senate impeachment trial.
Also last year, Gaetz was talking to conservative disinformation outlets like Newsmax and One America News about potential jobs after his time in Congress.
Nevertheless, this past Saturday, Gaetz announced that he would once again seek reelection.
It’s chose your fighter time.
I’m you’re Florida Man!https://t.co/FSkJUvOPiL
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) March 20, 2022
He wrote in a tweet:
"It's chose [sic] your fighter time.
I'm you're [sic] Florida Man!"
For those unfamiliar, "Florida Man" is an internet meme alluding to the number of bizarre headlines emerging from the Sunshine State, many of which begin with the phrase "Florida Man..."
In comments elaborating on his decision, Gaetz said:
“I continue to be inspired by the people of Northwest Florida and I think I have an important role to play in fashioning the shape and flavor of the upcoming majority."
The 2022 midterms aren't for another eight months, but Gaetz—a two-term incumbent—is already off to a rough start, with thousands of social media users mocking his announcement.
Some targeted the rampant typos.
It was only nine words. You only had to proof read nine words and you got two of them wrong. https://t.co/YmTmB57gdp
— Michael Milner (@Mi_Milner) March 21, 2022
Hopefully he’s not running for spelling bee judge. https://t.co/f6ZNMP39gD
— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) March 20, 2022
But sure, Matt, scream about CRT some more while basic spelling eludes you. https://t.co/lzU3A04DTV
— Katie S. Phang (@KatiePhang) March 20, 2022
March is Literacy Month: give it a try https://t.co/17lVYUOhTm
— Jeff Timmer (@jefftimmer) March 20, 2022
It’s *choose and *your. #FloridaMan https://t.co/iBvb2MC17I pic.twitter.com/p0f4OfPRix
— Room Rater (@ratemyskyperoom) March 20, 2022
Others mocked his self-designation as the "Florida Man."
.
So, @mattgaetz called himself "Florida Man" . . .
Well, greetings Florida Man from the desert.
🌵 🧐 🌵 pic.twitter.com/yPoMAFlFdc
— Marko Silberhand (@MarkoSilberhand) March 20, 2022
Only @mattgaetz would brag about being a Florida Man once again touting his true stupidity.#FreshResists pic.twitter.com/L4fd2tclFn
— Maverick (@Isellmpls) March 20, 2022
Matt Gaetz declaring himself "you're Florida Man" — complete with the wrong form of "your" — really sums up the modern GOP. Tone deaf, oblivious to modern cultural references and just overall moronic.
— Richard (@howrudeareyou) March 20, 2022
"I'm your Florida man" Really Matt Gaetz? You are just going to drop that line and NOT expect us to say anything.
— Pastor Rob Fleeceman (@PFleeceman) March 20, 2022
But unless a more favored primary candidate suddenly emerges, Gaetz is almost certain to win reelection in the deep red district.
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Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images