Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), one of Kevin McCarthy’s (R-CA) fiercest opponents, voted for former President Donald Trump over the California Republican as members cast their seventh ballot in the election for House speaker.
Gaetz, one of the five initial members to announce they would not vote for McCarthy after Republicans fell short of their anticipated red wave in November, has played a leading role in rallying conservatives against the GOP leader.
The move comes as McCarthy has continued to fall short on the votes needed to get the gavel.
His Thursday vote marks the first time there has been a break in their ranks since the first day of ballots, with Gaetz previously voting for Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Jim Jordan (R-OH), and Byron Donalds (R-FL).
My vote for Speaker of the House today?
Donald John Trump. pic.twitter.com/ajFdcHVPM5
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) January 5, 2023
Gaetz has repeatedly floated the idea of Trump becoming speaker, pledging to nominate him since 2021.
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Trump’s spokeswoman, Liz Harrington, later retweeted Gaetz’s tweet announcing his vote for the former president.
Trump previously indicated that he is not interested in the role.
