Matt Gaetz Biography: Matthew Louis Gaetz II (born May 7, 1982) is an American lawyer and politician who has been the United States Representative for Florida’s 1st congressional district since 2017. The district encompasses all of Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties, as well as sections of Walton County. He is a Republican Party member who is widely known as an ardent supporter of far-right politics and a close ally of former President Trump. Gaetz, the son of notable Florida politician Don Gaetz and the grandson of North Dakota politician Jerry Gaetz, grew up in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Following his graduation from William & Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Virginia, he temporarily worked in private practice before running for state representative. He served in the Florida House of Representatives.
Matt Gaetz Biography 2025
Matthew Louis Gaetz II is an American lawyer and politician who has served as the U.S. representative for Florida’s 1st congressional district since 2017. The district includes all of Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa counties, and portions of Walton County.
Born: 7 May 1982 (age 42 years), Hollywood, Florida, United States
Spouse: Ginger Luckey Gaetz (m. 2021)
Office: Representative (R-FL 1st District) since 2017
Education: William & Mary Law School (2007), Florida State University (2003), Niceville High School (2000)
Grandparent: Jerry Gaetz
Candidate for: 2025 Florida Member of the US House elections
Previous campaigns: US House Elections in Florida, 2022, MORE
Matt Gaetz Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Matthew Louis Gaetz II
May 7, 1982 |
|---|---|
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Ginger Luckey
(m. 2021) |
| Parent | Don Gaetz (father) |
| Relatives | Palmer Luckey (brother-in-law) |
| Education | Florida State University (BS) College of William & Mary (JD) |
| Category | Politician Biography |
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Early life and career
Matthew Louis Gaetz II was born on May 7, 1982, in Hollywood, Florida, to Victoria (née Quertermous) and Don Gaetz, a well-known local politician. He grew raised near Fort Walton Beach and graduated from Niceville High. In 2003, he earned a Bachelor of Science in transdisciplinary sciences from Florida State University, and in 2007, he received a Juris Doctor from William and Mary Law School. Gaetz was admitted to the Florida bar on February 6, 2008. From 2006 to 2016, Gaetz’s father represented areas of northwest Florida in the Florida State Senate, where he also served as Senate President from 2012 to 2014. Jerry Gaetz, Gaetz’s grandpa, was the mayor of Rugby, North Dakota, and a contender for lieutenant governor in.
Matt Gaetz: An Overview
Matt Gaetz is an American lawyer and politician known for his tenure in Congress representing Florida’s 1st district. His background, career, and personal life offer insights into his influence and position in American politics.
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Matt Gaetz’s Net Worth
| Year | Net Worth |
| 2010 | Over $1 million |
| 2016 | Under $500,000 |
| Current | $700,000 |
Matt Gaetz’s net worth has seen fluctuations over the years. In 2010, he reported a net worth exceeding $1 million, but by 2016, this figure had decreased significantly. As of now, his estimated net worth is approximately $700,000.
Matt Gaetz’s Salary
| Position | Salary |
| Florida House of Representatives | $29,000 (2016) |
| U.S. House of Representatives | $174,000 (Current) |
As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Matt Gaetz receives an annual salary of $174,000, a standard compensation for members of Congress. His earlier salary as a state representative was considerably lower at $29,000 in 2016.
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Matt Gaetz’s Family Background
| Family Member | Relation | Profession |
| Don Gaetz | Father | Former politician, healthcare executive |
| Vicky Gaetz | Mother | Pharmacist |
| Jerry Gaetz | Grandfather | Politician |
| Ginger Luckey | Fiancée | Oculus VR co-founder |
Matt Gaetz’s family has significant political and business ties, contributing to his understanding of the political landscape.
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Matt Gaetz’s Political Career
| Position | Years |
| Florida House of Representatives (4th District) | 2010 – 2016 |
| U.S. House of Representatives (1st District) | 2017 – Present |
After serving in the Florida House, Gaetz was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016. He has been an outspoken supporter of various policies aligned with the Trump administration.
Matt Gaetz’s Legal Issues
| Incident | Year | Outcome |
| DUI Arrest | 2008 | Charges dropped |
| Speeding Citations | 1999 – 2014 | 16 tickets recorded |
Matt Gaetz has faced legal issues, including a DUI arrest in 2008, but ultimately, the charges were dropped. He also has a history of traffic violations.
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Matt Gaetz’s Personal Life
| Detail | Information |
| Engagement | Ginger Luckey (December 2020) |
| Notable Family Ties | Brother-in-law Palmer Luckey, Oculus VR founder |