The Associated Press called the game at 8:32 p.m Gaetz, Lombardo and retired military Greg Merk all ran for the GOP nod in Florida’s 1st Congressional District. Gaetz is a member of the House Freedom Caucus and a key ally of former President Trump, known for his controversial and sometimes inflammatory rhetoric. The son of former President Donald Trump Jr. campaigned for the Florida Republican earlier this week. DCCC Chair Maloney fends off Biaggi challenge in NY House primary, Mullin closes Oklahoma GOP Senate nod The primary comes as Gaetz is under investigation for allegations of sex trafficking involving a minor, charges he denies. Lombardo took aim at Gaetz over reports that the congressman sought a pardon from Trump and that his campaign paid a lawyer who previously represented Jeffrey Epstein. The 1st Congressional District includes Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Escambia counties. The Cook Political Report rates it “solidly Republican.” In a last-minute push before the primary, Trump announced his endorsement of the Florida incumbent on Saturday, saying Gaetz was “a relentless fighter for the incredible people of Florida’s 1st Congressional District!”
