Matt Gaetz
Republican | Florida
Candidate Profile
Leans Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Matt Gaetz
Party
Republican
Election Year
2018
Election
General
Race
U.S. Rep., Dist. 1
Incumbent
Yes
Links
EDUCATION
William & Mary Law School, Williamsburg, VA, JD, 2007
Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, BS, 2003
WORK & MILITARY
Keefe, Anchors & Gordon, Attorney, 9
AFFILIATIONS
First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach, Parishioner, NRA
Lifetime Member, Destin Chamber of Commerce, Member
Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, Member, Navarre Chamber of Commerce
Member, Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, Member
Okaloosa Walton Bar Association, Member
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
United States House of Representatives, 2
Florida House of Representatives, 6
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
(Candidate did not provide)
Race
SCORECARDS
CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
2017-18
100%
2017-19
100%
2017-18
94%, 94% (cum.)†
2017
93%, 93% (cum.)†
2015-16
B
2014
82%
2017-18
76%, 76% (cum.)†
2018
75% (cum.)†
2018
65%, 72% (cum.)†
2017-18
|100%
2017-19
|100%
2017-18
|94%, 94% (cum.)†
2017
|93%, 93% (cum.)†
2015-16
|B
2014
|82%
2017-18
|76%, 76% (cum.)†
2018
|75% (cum.)†
2018
|65%, 72% (cum.)†
LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS
2017
13%, 13% (cum.)†
2018
9%
2017
6%, 6% (cum.)†
2017
0%
2012
0%
2017
|13%, 13% (cum.)†
2018
|9%
2017
|6%, 6% (cum.)†
2017
|0%
2012
|0%
ENDORSEMENTS
CONSERVATIVE (7)
Donald Trump
Florida Right to Life PAC
Floridians for Immigration Enforcement
Mike Huckabee
National Rifle Association
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (6)
President Donald Trump
National Rifle Association (NRA)
National Right to Life
Florida Right to Life
Humane Society Legislative Fund
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (27)
Andy Gardiner
Brad Drake
Clay Ingram
Elizabeth W. Porter
Frank Artiles
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (46)
67 Florida
American Principles
Associated Builders and Contractors
Bill Galvano
Bringing Yellowhammer Republicans New Energy PAC
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (8)
Bill Montford
Florida Police Benevolent Association
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts
Marijuana Policy Project
National Air Traffic Controllers Association
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Agree
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Agree
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Strongly Agree
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Strongly Agree
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Agree
Governments should not discriminate against individuals, organizations or small businesses because of their belief that marriage is only a union of one man and one woman.
Strongly Agree
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
Strongly Agree
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
Strongly Agree
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly Disagree
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly Disagree
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Disagree
It is the government’s responsibility to be sure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Disagree
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality which permitted our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
More restrictive gun control is needed to protect public safety.
Strongly Disagree
More restrictive gun control is needed to protect public safety.
Strongly Disagree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
Additional regulations are needed to prevent climate change.
Strongly Disagree
Additional regulations are needed to prevent climate change.
Strongly Disagree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
The United States should help defend Israel from attack by its enemies.
Strongly Agree
The United States should help defend Israel from attack by its enemies.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive funds from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Agree
Islamic law (Sharia) should take precedence over national and state laws where there are Islamic majority communities in the U. S.
Strongly Disagree
Islamic law (Sharia) should take precedence over national and state laws where there are Islamic majority communities in the U. S.
Strongly Disagree
Congress should pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
Strongly Agree
Congress should pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
Strongly Agree
People should be allowed to use public restrooms, showers, and changing rooms based on "gender identity."
Strongly Disagree
People should be allowed to use public restrooms, showers, and changing rooms based on "gender identity."
Strongly Disagree
I support sanctuary cities.
Strongly Disagree
I support sanctuary cities.
Strongly Disagree
It is OK for Congress to exempt itself from compliance with laws applicable to all citizens.
Strongly Disagree
It is OK for Congress to exempt itself from compliance with laws applicable to all citizens.
Strongly Disagree
I support the death penalty.
Strongly Agree
I support the death penalty.
Strongly Agree
Tuition-free public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
Tuition-free public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
The United States should protect its sovereignty from the United Nations.
Strongly Agree
The United States should protect its sovereignty from the United Nations.
Strongly Agree
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
I voted in these primaries and general elections:
2010 General Election, 2010 Republican Primary, 2012 General Election, 2012 Republican Primary, 2014 General Election, 2014 Republican Primary, 2016 General Election, 2016 Republican Primary
I voted in these primaries and general elections:
2010 General Election, 2010 Republican Primary, 2012 General Election, 2012 Republican Primary, 2014 General Election, 2014 Republican Primary, 2016 General Election, 2016 Republican Primary
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Under no circumstances should an abortion be allowed. In extremely rare cases when the mother's life is in danger, medical decisions made in relation to the unborn child must be made with the intention to preserve the mother's life. I am 100% pro-life and have always been a voice for those without one. I successfully sponsored legislation to ban taxpayer-funded abortions under Obamacare, and prohibited state money from going to abortion centers. I also fought to require ultrasounds and 24-hour waiting periods before abortions can be performed. In Congress, I'm working to defund Planned Parenthood and hold them accountable for the atrocious acts they commit.
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Under no circumstances should an abortion be allowed. In extremely rare cases when the mother's life is in danger, medical decisions made in relation to the unborn child must be made with the intention to preserve the mother's life. I am 100% pro-life and have always been a voice for those without one. I successfully sponsored legislation to ban taxpayer-funded abortions under Obamacare, and prohibited state money from going to abortion centers. I also fought to require ultrasounds and 24-hour waiting periods before abortions can be performed. In Congress, I'm working to defund Planned Parenthood and hold them accountable for the atrocious acts they commit.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?
Radical Islamic terrorism is an imminent threat to our nation and the world at large. Our fight against radical Islamic terrorism starts with a willingness to identify the Muslim threat to the US, as I did by cosponsoring the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2017. Our mission should be to strategically crush terrorist cells with overwhelming military strength by seizing their financial assets, delegitimizing their ideology, and destroying their forces.
What should the United States do to help eradicate the threat of radical Islamic terrorism?
Radical Islamic terrorism is an imminent threat to our nation and the world at large. Our fight against radical Islamic terrorism starts with a willingness to identify the Muslim threat to the US, as I did by cosponsoring the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2017. Our mission should be to strategically crush terrorist cells with overwhelming military strength by seizing their financial assets, delegitimizing their ideology, and destroying their forces.
What in the nature of mankind caused America’s Founders to carefully define, separate, and limit powers in the Constitution?
Our founders observed how absolute rule in the hands of a king violated the universal set of principles guaranteed to man in the Declaration of Independence. I believe government is the best reflection of human nature. By understanding man is innately corrupted by absolute power, the Founders instituted a system where power is separated, diversified, and limited. Lawmakers and leaders are motivated to govern well by knowing the source of their power, the people, are observing them.
What in the nature of mankind caused America’s Founders to carefully define, separate, and limit powers in the Constitution?
Our founders observed how absolute rule in the hands of a king violated the universal set of principles guaranteed to man in the Declaration of Independence. I believe government is the best reflection of human nature. By understanding man is innately corrupted by absolute power, the Founders instituted a system where power is separated, diversified, and limited. Lawmakers and leaders are motivated to govern well by knowing the source of their power, the people, are observing them.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
My fight for conservatism in the Congress stems from a firm belief that all law is based on morality. That morality is not man-made; it is based on revealed law given to us by Almighty God. Men do not make laws, they discover them in natural law and revealed law. God raises up "powers that be" (Romans 13) to be in authority over man and codify law to govern a nation. My personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the source of my motivation as a lawmaker, and I will continue to fight for limited government that inevitably encroaches on our religious liberty.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
My fight for conservatism in the Congress stems from a firm belief that all law is based on morality. That morality is not man-made; it is based on revealed law given to us by Almighty God. Men do not make laws, they discover them in natural law and revealed law. God raises up "powers that be" (Romans 13) to be in authority over man and codify law to govern a nation. My personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the source of my motivation as a lawmaker, and I will continue to fight for limited government that inevitably encroaches on our religious liberty.
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Very Conservative
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Very Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
https://gaetz.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-matt-gaetz-earns-award-conservative-voting-record https://www.frcaction.org/pressrelease/rep-matt-gaetz-scores-100-percent-on-frc-actions-new-scorecard
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
https://gaetz.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-matt-gaetz-earns-award-conservative-voting-record https://www.frcaction.org/pressrelease/rep-matt-gaetz-scores-100-percent-on-frc-actions-new-scorecard
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
Free enterprise and competition is the best driver of affordable, adequate, and accessible health care, not government. I have supported and voted for a full repeal of Obamacare in Congress to allow insurance companies to compete with each other for quality health care at competitive prices.
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
Free enterprise and competition is the best driver of affordable, adequate, and accessible health care, not government. I have supported and voted for a full repeal of Obamacare in Congress to allow insurance companies to compete with each other for quality health care at competitive prices.
What role should government play in boosting the economy?
The best way to grow our economy is to get government out of the way and let the free market thrive. Congress could learn a thing or two from Florida’s economic recovery, where I voted to repeal over 4,000 burdensome regulations and cut taxes over 50 times, totaling over $1 billion in savings for Floridians. That commitment has made Florida a leader in job growth, with unemployment at its lowest rate in 8 years. In Congress, I supported our President Trump’s “America First” policy to bring jobs and revenue back from overseas.
What role should government play in boosting the economy?
The best way to grow our economy is to get government out of the way and let the free market thrive. Congress could learn a thing or two from Florida’s economic recovery, where I voted to repeal over 4,000 burdensome regulations and cut taxes over 50 times, totaling over $1 billion in savings for Floridians. That commitment has made Florida a leader in job growth, with unemployment at its lowest rate in 8 years. In Congress, I supported our President Trump’s “America First” policy to bring jobs and revenue back from overseas.
What changes should be made to the tax code?
Long known as the “Tax Killer,” I helped President Trump pass the largest tax cut since the Reagan administration. We’re seeing more money in our paychecks. I successfully sponsored legislation stopping thousands of burdensome regulations at the state level and am now building on that success in Washington. In my first term in the U.S. Congress, I filed legislation to completely eliminate the EPA.
What changes should be made to the tax code?
Long known as the “Tax Killer,” I helped President Trump pass the largest tax cut since the Reagan administration. We’re seeing more money in our paychecks. I successfully sponsored legislation stopping thousands of burdensome regulations at the state level and am now building on that success in Washington. In my first term in the U.S. Congress, I filed legislation to completely eliminate the EPA.
What is the best way to bring down unemployment?
I believe the best way to bring down unemployment is economic growth. A large part of this growth is achieved by cutting taxes across the board, as President Trump did by signing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. By allowing employers to keep more of their hard-earned money, they in turn are able to hire more employees and grow their businesses. Along with these tax cuts must come the elimination of regulatory burdens created by big government. I'm proud to have voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act stimulating our economy, and I will continue to fight for less government and lower taxes for all Americans.
What is the best way to bring down unemployment?
I believe the best way to bring down unemployment is economic growth. A large part of this growth is achieved by cutting taxes across the board, as President Trump did by signing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. By allowing employers to keep more of their hard-earned money, they in turn are able to hire more employees and grow their businesses. Along with these tax cuts must come the elimination of regulatory burdens created by big government. I'm proud to have voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act stimulating our economy, and I will continue to fight for less government and lower taxes for all Americans.
How would you guarantee Social Security benefits for future generations?
I understand social security and medicare must be protected. I oppose any changes in benefits for anyone that is retiring or approaching retirement.
How would you guarantee Social Security benefits for future generations?
I understand social security and medicare must be protected. I oppose any changes in benefits for anyone that is retiring or approaching retirement.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
Before my election to Congress, I represented portions of Santa Rosa and Okaloosa county in the Florida legislature. During my time there, I chaired the Finance & Tax Committee, where I worked to pass $1 billion in tax cuts and eliminated or replaced over 4,000 burdensome government regulations. I'm proud to have also chaired the criminal justice committee, where I worked to pass some of the toughest laws in American against violent sexual predators. In Congress, I obtained over $70 million in additional funding for Northwest Florida's military mission in my first term, voted for the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act allowing bad VA employees to be fired, and helped pass the largest tax cuts and reforms in US history. I've been dubbed "Trump's Best Buddy" and Trump's "Ultimate Defender" in Congress and I'm proud to fight each day for Northwest Florida Values.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
Before my election to Congress, I represented portions of Santa Rosa and Okaloosa county in the Florida legislature. During my time there, I chaired the Finance & Tax Committee, where I worked to pass $1 billion in tax cuts and eliminated or replaced over 4,000 burdensome government regulations. I'm proud to have also chaired the criminal justice committee, where I worked to pass some of the toughest laws in American against violent sexual predators. In Congress, I obtained over $70 million in additional funding for Northwest Florida's military mission in my first term, voted for the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act allowing bad VA employees to be fired, and helped pass the largest tax cuts and reforms in US history. I've been dubbed "Trump's Best Buddy" and Trump's "Ultimate Defender" in Congress and I'm proud to fight each day for Northwest Florida Values.
E-mail address and phone number for voters to reach you:
matt@mattgaetz.com
E-mail address and phone number for voters to reach you:
matt@mattgaetz.com
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
While the liberals in Congress would love to see one of President Trump's staunchest allies in Congress lose an election, I believe conservative principles will prevail in the midterm election as we work every day to make America great again. I'm proud to receive the endorsement of the National Right to Life and Florida Right to Life in this campaign, and I will fight every day for the liberty interest of unborn children. I have been called "one of the most pro-gun members to have ever served in the Florida legislature" by former NRA president Marion Hammer, and I will continue to ensure our second amendment rights are vigorously preserved. I didn’t run in 2016 because I wanted to go to Washington, I ran because we can’t trust Washington. I will keep fighting for Northwest Florida values in my second term as vigorously as I did in my first term.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
While the liberals in Congress would love to see one of President Trump's staunchest allies in Congress lose an election, I believe conservative principles will prevail in the midterm election as we work every day to make America great again. I'm proud to receive the endorsement of the National Right to Life and Florida Right to Life in this campaign, and I will fight every day for the liberty interest of unborn children. I have been called "one of the most pro-gun members to have ever served in the Florida legislature" by former NRA president Marion Hammer, and I will continue to ensure our second amendment rights are vigorously preserved. I didn’t run in 2016 because I wanted to go to Washington, I ran because we can’t trust Washington. I will keep fighting for Northwest Florida values in my second term as vigorously as I did in my first term.
