Conservative Florida Rep. Jeff Miller (right) with Sen. Bernie Sanders
Former state Senate President Don Gaetz initially showed some interest in running for Marco Rubio's open Senate seat, but he announced on Monday that
he won't get in. However, there's a good chance that we'll still be hearing more from the wealthy Republican soon. Gaetz expressed interest in seeking Rep. Jeff Miller's safely red Pensacola-area 1st District if Miller jumps into the Senate race, and he may be in luck. Miller
recently hired OnMessage to do his polling, which indicates that he's laying the groundwork for a statewide bid. Miller and Gaetz are friends, so it's possible that Gaetz has some advanced knowledge about Miller's plans.
Neither Miller or Gaetz can expect an easy GOP primary if they seek higher office. While Miller has good name recognition in the conservative Panhandle area, he's virtually unknown in the rest of the state. Announced candidate Rep. Ron DeSantis and likely opponent Lt. Gov. Carlos Carlos Lopez-Cantera have some well-funded allies, and Miller's going to need financial support if he's going to break through.
Gaetz would also need to get past fellow state Sen. Greg Evers, who says that he's going to run for Miller's seat if it opens up. Gaetz says he's served all of FL-01 at one point or another, and he currently represents about 32 percent in the state Senate. However, Evers represents over twice as much, around 68 percent.