Matt Gaetz claims “should put decent Floridians off,” says main opponent Bryan Jones

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Republican Bryan Jones, who challenges Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) In the 2022 GOP primary, has allegedly argued that Gaetz being investigated by the FBI amid allegations of sex trafficking should ” to disgust any decent Floridian “. Gaetz is pictured during a House Judiciary Committee hearing in Washington, DC on October 21, 2021. Greg Nash / Getty

The main GOP opponent of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) Argued that the FBI’s investigation of the congressman into sex trafficking allegations “should disgust all decent Floridians.”

Gaetz, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, is under FBI investigation into allegations he had sex with a 17-year-old girl and paid her to travel with him . The allegations were not proven and Gaetz denied any wrongdoing, while stressing that the charge was part of an alleged plot to extort his family.

Bryan Jones, a veteran Air Force pilot who plans to challenge Gaetz in the 2022 Republican primary, told conservative The Washington Times that he would “restore the dignity” of Florida’s 1st Congressional District by defeating Gaetz . Jones reportedly intends to officially announce his challenge to Gaetz on Thursday.

“I think it’s time to start a new line of service, one that will help restore the dignity and honor of Florida 1st District – because the people of this district are good, honest, and hardworking people, and they deserve a member of Congress who reflects their values ​​and who will fight for their beliefs and freedoms, “Jones told the newspaper in an interview published Wednesday.

“Our district deserves an effective, values-driven leader in Congress, not one who is being investigated for crimes that should disgust all decent Floridians,” he added. “Send me to Washington, and you get a leader who will always be by your side – someone with the honesty, strength of character, and discipline to wage war against the elite and career politicians in the name of of us, the people. “

Jones also called Gaetz a “career politician” and said the two-term congressman was “someone who wants to be noticed in the media and be a spokesperson for his own fame and ego” . Gaetz, who is a nationally popular figure among Trump supporters, is likely to be a big favorite in the primary and is said to have already raised $ 1.4 million for his campaign in July.

In addition to bringing up the FBI investigation, Jones campaigns in part on the fact that he, unlike Gaetz, is an Army veteran. Further, he parted ways with the incumbent by stating that his political idol was former President Ronald Reagan, rather than Trump.

Florida developer Stephen Alford is set to stand trial next month on charges of attempting to extort Gaetz and his father in a conspiracy linked to the sex trafficking investigation.

Alford, who has pleaded not guilty, is said to have attempted to get $ 25 million in exchange for a promise of a presidential pardon from Trump that would shield Gaetz from any potential charges.

Newsweek has contacted Gaetz’s office for comment.

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