From Capitol Hill To California: 5 Shocking Reasons Matt Gaetz Made San Diego His New Power Base

The political world was stunned in late 2024 when former Congressman Matt Gaetz announced his resignation from the U.S. House of Representatives, but the biggest shock came with his next move: a pivot from the halls of Washington D.C. to the sun-drenched studios of San Diego, California. As of December 14, 2025, Gaetz has firmly established a new professional and reported part-time personal presence in "America's Finest City," trading his role as a disruptive Florida lawmaker for a prime-time gig on a major conservative news network.

This unexpected geographic and career shift is far more than a simple job change; it represents a calculated rebranding and a strategic move to maintain national relevance within a media ecosystem headquartered on the West Coast. The decision to make San Diego his new power base is intrinsically linked to his post-congressional career, his ongoing controversies, and the unique media landscape of Southern California.

Matthew Louis Gaetz II: A Brief Political & Personal Profile

The transition to a media career in San Diego follows a tumultuous period in the political life of the former Florida congressman. A detailed look at his background provides context for his dramatic career change:

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• Full Name: Matthew Louis Gaetz II
• Date of Birth: May 7, 1982
• Place of Birth: Hollywood, Florida
• Political Party: Republican
• Education: B.S. from Florida State University (2003); J.D. from the College of William & Mary (2007)
• Former Office: U.S. Representative for Florida's 1st congressional district (2017–2024)
• Political Stance: Known for his ultraconservative and self-described libertarian populist views, as well as his staunch loyalty to former President Donald Trump.
• Controversies: Led the successful effort to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy; faced a lengthy House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and illegal drug use, which concluded shortly before his resignation.

The OAN Connection: Why San Diego Became Ground Zero for Gaetz’s Second Act

The most compelling reason for Matt Gaetz's new San Diego focus is the physical location of his new employer. The city is the corporate and production headquarters for the hard-right broadcaster, One America News Network (OAN).

A Direct Pivot to Prime-Time

Gaetz resigned from the U.S. House of Representatives in late 2024 and almost immediately announced his new role as a host on OAN. This move allowed him to bypass the traditional political route and jump directly into a highly visible media position. He now hosts his own program, titled The Matt Gaetz Show, a prime-time vehicle for his combative political commentary and disruptive style.

The Geographical Imperative

OAN is owned by Herring Networks, Inc., and its primary studios and corporate offices are located in San Diego, California, specifically on Morena Boulevard. For Gaetz to fully immerse himself in his new role as a media personality, a presence near the network's hub was essential. The city, often referred to as a "blue" political stronghold, now paradoxically hosts a major national platform for one of the nation’s most prominent ultraconservative voices.

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This geographical shift highlights a growing trend where political figures, especially those known for their close ties to the Trump movement, are finding new homes and platforms outside of Washington D.C. The San Diego setting provides a new backdrop for his brand of politics, which thrives on sparring with political foes and engaging in political gamesmanship.

The Shadow of Controversy: Escaping Washington’s Scrutiny

Matt Gaetz's dramatic exit from Congress was inextricably linked to a two-year-long investigation by the House Ethics Committee. While the Department of Justice (DOJ) closed its parallel inquiry without filing charges, the Ethics Committee's final report was damning, concluding that Gaetz had likely violated House rules in multiple areas.

Allegations and Findings

The committee's report, released just days before his OAN debut, found “substantial evidence” that Gaetz had engaged in illicit drug use, shared inappropriate images, and engaged in a pattern of misconduct. His resignation allowed him to avoid a final House vote on a disciplinary resolution, effectively trading a potential political censure for a media contract.

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A Clean Slate in California?

Moving to San Diego provides a physical and professional distance from the constant scrutiny of Capitol Hill. By transitioning to a media role, Gaetz shifts his focus from legislative oversight and committee hearings to the world of commentary and opinion, a space where his brash and provocative style is not only accepted but often rewarded. This move is a strategic attempt to control his own narrative, using the OAN platform to address his political ambitions and controversies on his own terms.

San Diego: A Strategic Hub for Conservative Media

While San Diego is a politically liberal city, it is a significant—and often overlooked—hub for conservative national media due to OAN's presence. This makes it a strategic location for a figure like Gaetz to maintain and grow his national profile without having to reside in the competitive, crowded media markets of New York or Los Angeles.

Topical Authority and LSI Entities

Gaetz's choice to base himself in this specific media environment allows him to continue engaging with national political entities and LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) keywords that define his brand: Donald Trump, ultraconservative politics, Florida's 1st congressional district, and the ongoing national debate over House Ethics Committee findings. The proximity to the OAN studios ensures he is always available for prime-time broadcasts and breaking news commentary.

Moreover, the move has already generated local chatter, with sightings of the former congressman in neighborhoods like Clairemont, suggesting he is indeed establishing roots, even if only part-time, in the California city.

In conclusion, Matt Gaetz’s arrival in San Diego is a direct result of his new media career at OAN, which is headquartered there. It’s a calculated move to transition from a politically compromised lawmaker to a powerful national media voice, using the West Coast city as a strategic launchpad for his next, and potentially most controversial, chapter.