Matt Gaetz wins primary against McCarthy-backed challenger

SUMMARY

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) decisively won his primary against former naval aviator Aaron Dimmock, dealing a significant blow to former Speaker Kevin McCarthy's (R-Calif.) "revenge tour." Gaetz, who led the effort to oust McCarthy last fall, was a top target for McCarthy, who aimed to unseat the eight lawmakers who voted for his removal. Despite McCarthy-linked groups spending millions on ads to defeat him, Gaetz's strong connection with his constituents in Florida's 1st Congressional District secured his victory. The ongoing feud between Gaetz and McCarthy has been marked by public clashes, including during the Republican National Convention. McCarthy's broader strategy to unseat those who opposed him has largely failed, with Gaetz's win exhibiting the resilience of his support in the GOP stronghold.