'You beat the accusations': GOP Rep Matt Gaetz wins fourth term in Florida despite sex trafficking allegations

MIAMI, FLORIDA: Matt Gaetz has won the fourth term in Florida’s First Congressional District, defeating Democrat opponent Rebekah Jones. Unofficial tallies show Gaetz defeated Jones, who is a former data scientist, by 65 percent of votes, as per Pensacola News Journal. Gaetz was first elected to the US House of Representatives in 2016 and was re-elected in 2018 and 2020. He previously served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2010 to 2016, states the outlet. 

The 40-year-old, who will now be in his fourth term, was reportedly endorsed by former President Donald Trump and also managed Gov Ron DeSantis’s transition team in 2019. On the other hand, Gaetz was also the subject of an alleged sex-trafficking investigation by the Department of Justice which involved allegations that he reportedly had sexual relations with a 17-year-old girl, according to The Hill. Prior to his win, Gaetz reportedly told, “The people that lied about me weren’t trustworthy. I could have told you that at the beginning. The people who have told lies about me have been discredited, defeated, indicted and in jail. Not a really great look for them. Meanwhile, I’m looking forward to being sworn in to my next term in Congress.”