In a surprising turn of events regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s swift Cabinet appointments, former Congressman Matt Gaetz, who was a contentious choice for Attorney General, announced his withdrawal from consideration on Thursday.

In a message on X, previously known as Twitter, Gaetz stated, “Even though there was strong support, I realize that my confirmation was becoming an undue distraction to the essential tasks of the Trump/Vance Transition. There’s no time for a pointless conflict in Washington, so I am stepping back from the Attorney General nomination.”

“Trump’s Department of Justice needs to be prepared from Day 1,” he continued. “I am fully devoted to ensuring that Donald J. Trump becomes the most successful President in history.”

Faced with a challenging Senate confirmation process and accusations of sex trafficking minors, Gaetz mentioned having “productive discussions” with senators on Wednesday. He has firmly denied any wrongdoing.

President Trump took to Truth Social to express his appreciation for Gaetz, writing, “I commend Matt Gaetz for his efforts to secure the Attorney General position. He was making great progress but chose not to be a distraction to the Administration, which he respects greatly.”

So, what lies ahead for Gaetz? Is it possible for him to return to his previous role? Could he take over Marco Rubio’s Senate seat if Rubio becomes Trump’s Secretary of State? (“Senator Gaetz” quickly began trending on X after Gaetz’s withdrawal announcement.)

Here’s what we have gathered:

Can Matt Gaetz return to his U.S. House of Representatives seat?

Gaetz stepped down from Congress to pursue the Attorney General role just two days prior to a House Ethics Committee report detailing allegations of his sexual misconduct and drug use.

The U.S. Constitution states, “When vacancies occur in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.” Vacancies can arise when a current member dies, resigns, or departs from office for any reason before their term concludes, according to the Congressional Research Service (CRS).

DeSantis, returning from a trade visit to Italy, had directed Secretary of State Cord Byrd to promptly arrange special elections for both Gaetz and U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz, who was nominated for Trump’s national security advisor.

Ginger Gaetz, Matt’s wife, shared a picture of them on the Capitol steps with the caption, “The end of an era.”

Is a run for the U.S. House again possible for Gaetz?

There is nothing preventing Gaetz from campaigning for his former congressional seat in a special election.

He had recently secured another term with more than 66% of the vote, though increasing revelations from the ethics report may affect his support.

Can’t he just return to Congress in January?

This remains uncertain.

Gaetz’s reelection occurred in November, and the state’s Elections Canvassing Commission certified his election on Tuesday. Additionally, Governor Ron DeSantis has not yet announced a special election.

Gaetz has expressed intentions not to take the oath of office for the 119th U.S. Congress in January. His return would also mean he is still under the scrutiny of the ethics investigation.

Furthermore, the House, per the U.S. Constitution, has the authority to judge “the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members….”

Could DeSantis appoint him as a senator?

There is a growing speculation about DeSantis potentially selecting Gaetz for the Senate seat that opened once Trump appointed Sen. Marco Rubio as Secretary of State.

If appointed, Gaetz would serve until 2026, when a special election would take place to finish the remaining two years of Rubio’s term.

Nonetheless, numerous individuals are reportedly aspiring for or speculated to be contenders for the role, including Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez, Attorney General Ashley Moody, former Florida House Speaker Jose Oliva, DeSantis’ wife Casey, Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump, and perhaps even DeSantis himself.

Is Gaetz considering a run for governor?

Both Gaetz and Waltz were viewed as possible candidates for the 2026 gubernatorial election to replace DeSantis, who is term-limited.

In 2023, NBC News reported that Gaetz was contemplating a gubernatorial bid, but he has consistently stated he has no interest in the role, and his father told the Pensacola News-Journal that Gaetz is not planning to run for the position.

However, given the current situation, anything could happen.

(This story has been updated with new information.)