Decorated combat veteran and former fighter pilot Jeff Witt announces his bid to fill the Florida House seat left vacant by Gaetz.

Jeff Witt, a decorated combat veteran and fighter pilot, announced on Monday that he is running for the seat of former Rep. Matt Gaetz in Florida's 1st congressional district as a Republican. He pledged to fight inflation, secure the borders, and strengthen the military while working with fellow GOP lawmakers to pass President Trump's "America First" agenda.

Witt, a 38-year-old Harvard graduate, is a decorated Afghanistan War veteran, F-35 fighter pilot, and instructor with over a dozen years of military service. He flew 82 combat missions in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Currently, Witt is a policy advisor on the Trump-Vance Presidential Transition Team.

""I have devoted 14 years to serving my country in uniform and am committed to serving my community as well. I am eager to connect with voters throughout the district and demonstrate my dedication to being a trustworthy leader in Congress," Witt stated to Planet Chronicle Digital."

Witt stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that he intends to combat inflation, safeguard our borders, and bolster our military.

He stated that he would address the requirements of his constituents and strive to enhance Florida's 1st District into an exceptional location for veterans, businesses, and families.

Joan, Kirby, Grace, and Charlie are the four young children of Witt and his wife Courtney, who reside in Niceville, Fla. Witt is an active member of his church and teaches his children's Sunday school.

Witt, a Harvard football quarterback, attended Harvard University for his undergraduate studies and later earned his Master of Business Administration from the same institution.

Robert Wilkie, a former Secretary of Veterans Affairs, has already endorsed Witt, a 2024 Club for Growth fellow.

"Jeff Witt is a patriot and a staunch supporter of President Trump and his America First agenda, as stated by Wilkie to Planet Chronicle Digital. As the former Secretary of Veterans Affairs under President Trump, Wilkie knows that Jeff's mission will always be to put warriors first. He is honored to give Jeff his full endorsement."

Witt embodies the values of family and freedom, as stated by Wilkie to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Lt. Gen. (ret.) Stanley Clarke stated on Planet Chronicle Digital that Jeff Witt is the best candidate to represent Florida's 1st Congressional District.

Clarke praised Witt as an exceptional father, spouse, and soldier who has devoted his life to serving his country.

Witt, according to Clarke, is a true American patriot who will serve Americans with honor and distinction.

Trump appointed Gaetz as his attorney general for the Justice Department in his second term, prompting Witt's campaign.

Earlier this month, Gaetz resigned from his position as Florida's 1st congressional district representative to accept the nomination for attorney general.

On Thursday, Gaetz withdrew his name from the running for attorney general, stating that the confirmation process had become a distraction to the important work of the Trump-Vance transition.

Earlier this month, Gaetz resigned from his seat representing Florida's 1st Congressional District after President Trump nominated him to serve as attorney general. However, Gaetz later withdrew his name from consideration to lead the Justice Department, and on Friday, he stated that he would not attempt to return to Congress.

A growing Republican primary field of candidates is vying for the seat, including Florida State Sen. Michelle Salzman, Dr. Joel Rudman; Keith Gross and John Frankman; Bernadette Pittman; and former federal government official and teacher Kevin Gaffney, with Witt also joining the race.

The date for the special election has yet to be set.

Patrick Witt, a member of the Trump Transition team and former deputy chief of staff in the Office of Personnel Management, is the brother of Witt, who ran for statewide office in Georgia in 2022 with the endorsement of President Trump.