Representative Matt Gaetz, a Republican from Florida, successfully defeated Aaron Dimmock in the primary for Florida’s First Congressional District.

The Associated Press announced Gaetz’s victory at 7:13 p.m. on Tuesday while votes were still being tallied.

As per the Florida Division of Elections, Gaetz is leading with 70.52% of the vote compared to Dimmock’s 29.48%, including only early and mail-in ballots so far.

Dimmock, a retired Navy officer, received support from Super PACs associated with former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Gaetz was part of a group of eight House Republicans that removed McCarthy from his position last year. Most of these Republicans have encountered significant primary challenges, which many analysts have referred to as the “McCarthy revenge tour.” So far, the only incumbent to lose was Rep. Bob Good of Virginia.

Gaetz criticized McCarthy’s support for Dimmock and mocked Dimmock’s post-military career, where he trained corporate managers on diversity issues. Gaetz went as far as to label Dimmock as a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) instructor, a term that has taken on negative connotations within Republican circles. At one campaign event, Gaetz claimed that DEI initiatives represented “anti-white racism.”

Groups backing Dimmock overwhelmed the district with ads targeting Gaetz, particularly regarding allegations of his involvement with a 17-year-old. Gaetz has consistently denied these accusations, and while the Justice Department chose not to file any charges last year, the House Ethics Committee is still investigating the matter.

“Your daughters are never safe with the real Matt Gaetz,” read one advertisement from the Florida Patriots PAC.

Next, Gaetz will compete against Democratic candidate Gay Valimont in the November election. Valimont previously served as a leader for the Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America in Florida.