Don Gaetz runs for Florida Senate in Panhandle’s District 1

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Former Florida Senate President Don Gaetz, a Republican, is running for Florida Senate District 1.

He served as Senate president from 2012 to 2014, and was in the Florida Senate from 2006 to 2016.

District 1, located in the Florida Panhandle, is currently represented by state Sen. Doug Broxson, R-Pensacola.

Amid Gaetz’s bid for District 1, former state Rep. Frank White, a Republican, is dropping out of the race, Florida’s Voice has learned.

White was previously endorsed by Broxson for the seat.

Gaetz is the father of U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who was recently pre-endorsed by Donald Trump Jr. for a hypothetical 2026 Florida governor bid.

“Matt Gaetz. What’s the next move?” Trump Jr. recently said. “I see some ‘Matt Gaetz for president.’”

“No, no, no,” Gaetz replied.

“Matt Gaetz for governor!” Trump Jr. said.

“I want him to run for governor,” Guilfoyle said.

“I would definitely enjoy that job so much,” Gaetz said. “I would never leave it if I ever got that opportunity.”

Trump Jr. said he will “pre endorsed Matt Gaetz for governor Florida right now,” he said, along with Guilfoyle.

“I’m the first endorsement of Matt, because I just want to see the meltdown,” Trump Jr. said. “The media – absolute meltdown – to that announcement.”

Gaetz responded, saying he’s “not in the race yet,” but joked he now has his “first volunteer.”

The Florida governor’s race is far out, with Gov. Ron DeSantis only starting his second and final four-year term this past January.

The next Florida gubernatorial election takes place in 2026, with a new governor taking office in early 2027.