Matt Gaetz Bio, Age, Family, Career, Relationship and Political position

This article will answer every question you have about Matt Gaetz. Below are some of the frequently asked questions about him.

  1. What does Matt Gaetz do for a living?
  2. Who are Matt Gaetz’s parents and siblings?
  3. What are Matt Gaetz’s interests and hobbies?
  4. Is Matt Gaetz married or does he have a Girlfriend/ boyfriend?
  5. Does Matt Gaetz have any children?
  6. Where is Matt Gaetz now?
  7. How tall is Matt Gaetz?
  8. How much money does Matt Gaetz earn?
  9. What is Matt Gaetz’s net worth?

N/B: Please read the entire post to have all your questions answered.

Who is Matt Gaetz?

Matt Gaetz is an American lawyer and politician serving as the U.S Representative for Florida’s 1st congressional district from 2017. In addition, he is also a member of the Republican party. Gaetz’s district of jurisdiction covers a big portion of the Western Florida Panhandle.

This includes Destin, Pensacola, Navarre as well as his hometown, Fort Walton Beach. From 2010 to 2016, Gaetz has been representing the state’s 4th district that includes most of Okaloosa County while serving as Congress. After Republican state representative, Ray Samson resigned on charges under corruption, Gaetz ran in the special elections to take Samson’s place. Gaetz won the Republican primary with 43% of the votes against fellow members, Kabe Woods, Craig Barker, Bill Gave and Jerry Garvie. He further succeeded in the special general elections, beating Democrat nominee Jan Fernald with 66% of the votes. Finance wise, Matt had raised 50 times more than his Democrat competitor with receipt of almost $480,000 as well as $100,000 from his own pockets.

Legislations

Gaetz maintained the seat unopposed for a full term in 2010. Later, Florida House of Representatives districts was reconfigured, therefore, it no longer had any Santa Rosa County. He was then re-elected in 2012 and 2014 where he remained unopposed. Gaetz then partnered with state senator Joe Negron while still serving under the statehouse to propose new legislation. It was designed to speed up the execution of many of the 404 inmates on Florida’s death row. The legislation would also require the governor to sign death warrants for the inmates who had exhausted their court appeals. Additionally, he worked in conjunction with state senator Greg Evers to propose legislation that removed the federal ethanol content mandate that every 10% of gasoline in Florida should contain ethanol. In 2013, Governor Rick Scott signed the legislation.

A photo of Matt Gaetz
A photo of Matt Gaetz

Gaetz was also the chairman of the Criminal Justice Subcommittee. He was assigned with the task of reviewing the death sentence legislation following the trial of George Zimmerman. This was after the shooting of Will Weatherford and Trayvon Martin. Following conclusions of the trial, Gaetz formed the legislation that would enable defendants who successfully use a stand your ground defence to apply for a certificate of eligibility during their hearing.

Senate and U.S House of Florida races

Earlier in 2013, Gaetz announced that he would run for the 1st District Senate seat in 2106 which was at the time held by his father, Don Gaetz. His father’s term was due to termination in 2016. However, on 26th March 2106, Gaetz withdrew from the state race deciding to run for the U.S House seat representing 1st congressional district of Florida instead. Later on August 30, 2016, he won the Republican primary against Greg Evers, Cris Dosev plus five other candidates with a 35.7% rate. On November 8 general elections, Gaetz defeated Steven Specht who was Democratic party’s candidate with 69% win. In fact, Gaetz is the seventh person to the district since 1933.

Matt Gaetz’s Political Position

Medicinal Cannabis

Gaetz has been involved in legislation to loosen restrictions over the cultivation of cannabis for research purposes. He introduced the reclassify cannabis legislation under the Controlled Substance Act from schedule I to schedule II. Actually, he has criticized the U.S federal government for misleading its citizen regarding the medical benefits of cannabis. In addition, he used his position as a member of the Florida House to sponsor a bill to expand the state’s Right to Try Act to legalise the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes. Gaetz was actually one of the only two Republican on the House Judiciary Committee to vote for the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act in November 2019. The act, among other reforms, would remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act. He also claims to have had many conversations with Donald Trump regarding the cannabis policy.

Other Policies

Gaetz has been a part of major legislation such as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that would benefit many Americans by making commercial real estate easier and more accessible. He has also taken part in formulating as well as amending bills regarding the environment, in particular, global warming. Gaetz was a big combater against human trafficking.

How Old is Matt Gaetz?

Gaetz was born on May 7, 1982, in Hollywood, Florida. This makes him as of 2021, 38 years old.

Matt Gaetz’s Family

Who are Matt Gaetz’s parents?

Gaetz’s parents are politician Don Gaetz and Victoria Gaetz. His father is a Republican who served a representative of the Florida State Senate from 2006 to 2016 representing Northwest Florida.

Does Matt Gaetz have siblings?

Gaetz has a younger sister called Erin Gaetz who was the director of digital content for Jeb Bush’s campaign.

Matt Gaetz’s Education

Matt attended Niceville High School where he graduated in 2000. He then joined Florida State University and graduated with a Bachelor in Science in Interdisciplinary sciences. In addition, in 2007, he acquired a J.D from the College of William and MaryLaw School.

Matt Gaetz’s Girlfriend/Engaged

Gaetz has been dating his girlfriend Ginger Lucky but announced their engagement on in December 2020.

Matt Gaetz’s Children – Kids

Gaetz currently has no biological children, however, he has been living with a 19-year-old immigrant from Cuba named Nestor Galbán since he was 12 and considers him to be his son. He later clarified that Nestor is his ex-girlfriend’s brother. They are neither related by blood nor legally but Gaetz affirms that their bond is based on their love for each other.

Matt Gaetz’s Net Worth

Gaetz has an estimated net worth of $388,000 through a financial disclosure form. However, he donated $200,000 of his money toward his campaign for congress. Additionally, he donated $380,000 to a federal super-PAC, North Florida neighbours whose goal was to support Matt Gaetz in his campaign for congress. This was after resigning from two Florida House political committees.

Height/Measurements

Gaetz is 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs about 160 pounds.