Republican Matt Gaetz wins reelection to U.S. House in Florida’s 1st Congressional District

(AP) - Republican Matt Gaetz won election to a U.S. House seat representing Florida on Tuesday, defeating Democrat Gay Valimont.

Gaetz will serve a fifth term representing one of Florida’s most conservative districts, which covers the westernmost part of Florida’s Panhandle.

A strong supporter of former President Donald Trump, Gaetz filed the resolution that successfully ousted former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy last year.

McCarthy then helped fund a primary challenge to Gaetz that included commercials alleging that he paid for sex with a 17-year-old, an allegation currently investigated by the House Ethics Committee.

Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing.

The Associated Press declared Gaetz the winner at 8:14 p.m. EST.