Matt Gaetz has announced that he will run for presidency in 2024 if ex-POTUS Donald Trump decides to sit the election out.
The congressman made the announcement on Wednesday, May 26, in a text message to New York Post.
He wrote: "I support Donald Trump for president. I’ve directly encouraged him to run and he gives me every indication he will.
"If Trump doesn’t run, I’m sure I could defeat whatever remains of Joe Biden by 2024."
News of Gaetz's presidential run comes just days after his associate, Joel Greenberg, pleaded guilty to six federal charges, admitting he had knowingly solicited and paid for sex from a minor, CNN reports.
It's since been said that Greenberg taking a plea deal will become a problem for Gaetz, who has a close connection to Greenberg’s dealings. Gaetz has not been charged with any crimes and has denied any wrongdoing.
Gaetz’s involvement in the presidential run will likely be determined by the outcome of the ongoing federal investigation into his involvement with Greenberg.
However, his plans to run for president might not happen after all, as Trump has been very vocal about stepping back in the ring.
The former president - who lost out on a second term in office to Joe Biden - last month said he is "100%" thinking of entering the presidential run in three years' time.
What's more, Trump has hinted that he could tap Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as his running mate this time around.
"Are you thinking about running again, Mr. President, in 2024?" Maria Bartiromo of Fox Business channel asked Trump in a call-in interview on April 29.
Without hesitation, Trump responded: "Yes, 100 percent."
He added: "And the polls show that everybody wants me to do it. One hundred percent I'm thinking about running and we will, I think, be very successful."
It was then when Trump was asked about a potential running mate, and whether he's thinking of DeSantis for the job.
Trump - who now resides in Florida - responded: "Well he's a friend of mine. I endorsed Ron and after I endorsed him he took off as a rocket ship, he's done a great job as governor.
"A lot of people like that – you know, I'm just saying what I read and what you read – they love that ticket. But certainly, Ron would be considered, he's a great guy."
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