According to NBC News, Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz will defeat his primary rivals, paving the way for him to win re-election to the House of Representatives and continue to represent the heavily-red Florida Panhandle district.

Mark Lombardo, a seasoned veteran and former FedEx executive, had attacked Gaetz during the primary, bringing to light the divisive congressman’s numerous controversies, including his involvement in a federal sex-trafficking investigation.

The Marine should be sent to Washington. In one of many advertisements criticising Gaetz, who hasn’t been indicted and rejects accusations of misconduct, Lombardo stated, “I’ll respect your family.

Gaetz, a representative for the 1st Congressional District since 2017, has long been a vocal admirer of former President Donald Trump. But three days prior to the primary election, he received Trump’s support.

Between attacks on “Lyin’ Matt Gaetz” for his comments about women and his missed votes in Congress, Lombardo has branded himself as a “America First” conservative who supports Trump.

Prior to the primary, Lombardo took advantage of Gaetz’s lack of support from Trump by asking whether Gaetz was a “informant” who helped the FBI raid Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach.

Prior to the primary, there wasn’t much polling, but Gaetz, an incumbent who easily outraised and outspent Lombardo, was seen to be the likely favourite. As of early August, according to campaign finance reports, Lombardo had largely supported himself.

Gaetz is predicted to easily win in November in the area, which hasn’t had a Democrat as its representative in nearly three decades.