Gaetz on Thursday said in a social media post that he would be withdrawing his name because he does not want to become "a distraction" for the Trump transition team's work, although he had "excellent meetings" with senators, he said.

A day later, he told podcaster and conservative activist Charlie Kirk that he would not be going back to the House of Representatives. While Gaetz resigned from his current term in office, he won his reelection bid on Nov. 5, prompting speculation that he could still serve out his forthcoming term.

"I'm still going to be in the fight, but it's going to be from a new perch," Gaetz said on Friday. "I do not intend to join the 119th Congress; there are a number of fantastic Floridians who've stepped up to run for my seat, people who have inspired with their heroism, with their public service."

"And I'm actually excited to see Northwest Florida go to new heights and have great representation," he said, referring to Florida's First Congressional District, which he had represented.

Based on historical data and trends, it appears unlikely that the First District will be flipped by a Democratic candidate. Gaetz won his reelection bid by more than 30 points, and a Democrat hasn't represented the area since 1995.

"I'm going to be fighting for President Trump. I'm going to be doing whatever he asks of me, as I always have," he told Kirk, echoing a comment he wrote in his Thursday announcement. "But I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress."

Other than Gaetz, Trump has tapped several other Florida politicians to serve in his Cabinet in some capacity, including Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) as his secretary of state and Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) as his national security adviser.

Hours after Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration, Trump named Republican former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, also his former personal attorney, to become the U.S. attorney general. In response, Gaetz wrote on X that Bondi is a "stellar selection" who will "bring the needed reforms" to the Department of Justice (DOJ).