Gaetz Welcomes His New Colleague Republican Carlos Curbelo

Gaetz On The Retirement Of House Colleague Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

Gaetz Welcomes His New Colleague Republican Carlos Curbelo

Gaetz Wishes Ros-Lehtinen Well On Her Retirement

U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz on Tuesday praised retiring U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a fellow Republican who announced she will not seek reelection in 2018 after nearly three decades in Congress. "Ileana has been a tireless advocate for her constituents and a strong voice for conservative values in Congress," Gaetz said. "She will be missed." Ros-Lehtinen, 64, is the longest-serving Republican woman in the House. She was first elected in 1989 and represents Florida's 27th congressional district, which includes parts of Miami-Dade County. Ros-Lehtinen is a moderate Republican who has been critical of President Donald Trump on several occasions. She was one of the few Republicans to vote against the GOP tax bill in December. Gaetz, 35, is a conservative Republican who was elected to the House in 2016. He represents Florida's 1st congressional district, which includes parts of the Florida Panhandle.

Gaetz said he is looking forward to working with Curbelo, who he called a "bright and talented" politician. "I am confident that he will be a strong advocate for the people of Florida," Gaetz said. Curbelo, 39, is a Cuban-American who was born in Miami. He is a former member of the Florida House of Representatives and was elected to the U.S. House in 2014. He represents Florida's 26th congressional district, which includes parts of Miami-Dade County.

In a statement, Ros-Lehtinen said she is "proud" of her accomplishments in Congress and is looking forward to spending more time with her family. "It has been an honor to serve the people of South Florida," Ros-Lehtinen said. "I will cherish the memories I have made and the friendships I have forged."