**Decorated Combat Veteran Jeff Witt Announces Congressional Run for Florida's 1st District**

Harvard-educated fighter pilot Jeff Witt declared his candidacy for Florida's 1st Congressional District on Monday, aiming to take the seat vacated by Matt Gaetz. Witt, who promises to address inflation, bolster border security, and enhance military readiness, is endorsing former President Trump's "America First" agenda.

Jeff Witt, 38, boasts a distinguished background as a businessman, a Harvard University alumnus, and an Afghanistan War veteran. His military career includes 82 combat missions during Operation Enduring Freedom, and he currently serves as a policy advisor on the Trump-Vance Presidential Transition Team. Witt, along with his wife and their four young children, lives in Niceville, Florida, where he actively participates in his church and teaches Sunday school.

"I have dedicated 14 years of my life to serving my country in uniform and now wish to extend that commitment to our community," Witt told Fox News Digital. "I am eager to connect with voters across the district and demonstrate my dedication to representing them with conviction, hard work, and integrity in Congress."

Beyond his military and academic accomplishments, Witt has secured endorsements from prominent figures in the Trump administration. Former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie lauded Witt as a "patriot" committed to Trump's agenda, emphasizing his priority to support veterans. Retired Lt. Gen. Stanley Clarke, Witt's former commanding officer, described Witt as a "true American patriot" who would represent Florida's 1st District with honor and distinction.

Witt's campaign follows Matt Gaetz's resignation from his congressional seat to accept a nomination for Attorney General in Trump's potential second term. Gaetz, however, later withdrew from the position, citing the confirmation process as a distraction, and stated he would not seek to return to Congress.

Joining a competitive Republican primary, Witt faces contenders like Florida State Sen. Michelle Salzman, Dr. Joel Rudman, Keith Gross, John Frankman, Bernadette Pittman, and former federal government official Kevin Gaffney. Witt is also the brother of Patrick Witt, who ran for statewide office in Georgia in 2022 with Trump's endorsement and served in the Trump administration.

As Witt embarks on his congressional bid, he emphasizes his intent to listen to his constituents and work tirelessly on their behalf to make Florida's 1st District an exemplary place for veterans, businesses, and families.