Rep. Mike Waltz considering run for governor of Florida

By Brendon Leslie

Published Sep. 18, 2023, 6:52 p.m. ET | Updated Sep. 18, 2023

U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz.

TALLAHASSE, Fla. – Sources close to U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., told Florida’s Voice he is considering a run for governor of Florida in 2026.

Waltz currently represents northern Central Florida in the 6th Congressional District. He assumed office on Jan. 3, 2019 and his current term ends Jan. 3, 2025.

Waltz is a Colonel (Ret.) in the National Guard, a combat-decorated Green Beret, former White House and Pentagon policy advisor, a small business owner, an author and a proud father, according to his website. He is the first Green Beret to be elected to Congress.

Earlier on Monday, NBC News reported U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., may enter the race for governor.

Gaetz was recently “pre-endorsed” by Donald Trump Jr.