New book details the moment a GOP lawmaker appeared to lunge at Matt Gaetz

A new book is shedding light on a dramatic confrontation that unfolded on the House floor during the protracted election for Speaker of the House in January 2023. The incident occurred during the 14th round of voting, a moment of intense political maneuvering and frustration.

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I don't think you understand. That does not concern me whatsoever. Personal appeals have no effect on me.

According to details recounted by John Leganski, a congressional aide who managed the floor for then-nominee Kevin McCarthy, Representative Mike Rogers of Alabama appeared to lunge toward Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida. In an apparent effort to de-escalate the situation and prevent a public altercation, Representative Richard Hudson of North Carolina physically restrained Rogers, reportedly grabbing at his face.

Gaetz was a central figure among a group of far-right Republicans who were blocking McCarthy's path to the speakership. The holdouts demanded concessions over four days of voting. Earlier on January 6, Gaetz had sought the chairmanship of a subcommittee on the Armed Services Committee, a position Rogers was in line to lead. After being rebuffed, Gaetz reportedly told McCarthy's team, "Personal appeals have no effect on me."

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Matt, I won't forget this. You hear me?

The altercation occurred around 11 p.m. as Gaetz voted "present" on the 14th ballot. Rogers confronted Gaetz, yelling, "Matt, I won't forget this. You hear me?" Hudson's intervention was captured by photographers. In the aftermath, other lawmakers reacted with visible emotion, with some weeping and others reciting prayers. McCarthy was eventually elected speaker later that night.

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We're good. We'll do it tonight.