Representative Matt Gaetz, former president Donald Trump’s most vociferous defender in Congress, won the Republican primary in Florida’s 1st District despite criticisms from his challenger and an investigation into whether he was involved in trafficking underage girls.
Mr Gaetz won the primary after coming under intense scrutiny from Mark Lombardo, a primary challenger to his right. Mr Lombardo, who served in the Marines and has a business background, sought to turn Mr Gaetz’s best political asset in the solidly Republican district – his fidelity to Mr Trump – into a liability.
