On attack: Florida's Matt Gaetz rallies in Greenville, endorses Morgan, attacks Timmons

Florida's Rep. Matt Gaetz spent nearly 45 minutes on Tuesday evening telling a Greenville crowd why Adam Morgan, a South Carolina state representative, deserves their vote for the Fourth Congressional District.

Gaetz's speech and rally in the Marriott ballroom at Parkway East had a clear message − unseat fellow Republican and incumbent Rep. William Timmons in the June primary election.

The crowd of nearly 400 people booed when Gaetz first mentioned Timmons' name.

“We will not save this country with the current group of folks we have in Congress,” said Gaetz. “We have to have people who are willing to challenge an establishment that wants more wars abroad, inflation, and spending here at home. The only answer is to get better Republicans for the United States.

I believe the best way to bring life and advocacy to the Trump agenda is to elect Adam Morgan to Congress for the great state of South Carolina," he said.

While Gaetz invoked Trump in his support of Morgan, the former president endorsed Timmons in March for re-election. Gaetz also is among a group of conservative Republicans challenging the moves of the more centrist GOP members in Congress.

What was said at the rally endorsing Adam Morgan?

Republican Rep. Ralph Norman, joined Gaetz to endorse Morgan's congressional bid. Norman is also campaigning for his District 5 seat that covers a swath of the Upstate.

Taking turns addressing the audience, Gaetz, Morgan, and Norman challenged issues regarding domestic borders, foreign spending, and political lobbying. They also called out bureaucratic agencies including CDC, SCDHEC, and diversity, equity, and inclusion organizations efforts.

Morgan questioned the United States sending millions in aid to Gaza and Ukraine and providing weapons to Taiwan.

"What we need in government is transparency and accountability," he said.

Addressing Morgan's viral moment

Morgan, a conservative and chair of SC Freedom Caucus, garnered national attention on the social media app X, formerly known as Twitter when he posted a video of himself on the South Carolina House Floor claiming that dark money groups were behind the pressure for him to vote for an economic development.

'He looked me in the eyes and said he can't be bought'

Throughout the evening, the trio attacked Timmons.

"He does everything to move himself up the ladder instead of serving the people," said Norman who acknowledged having a business history in real estate with Timmons.

Supporters attending the rally and speech were open about endorsing Morgan.

"He knocked on my front door, looked me in my eyes, and said he can't be bought," said Barry Coleman, 65, of Greenville. "That was confirming enough for me."

Mike Eder, 56, is familiar with Morgan through his church. "Adam has the conviction, Christian principals and I think he can truly execute," Eder said. "With Timmons, I never really trusted him."

In closing the event, and while quoting Winston Churchill, Norman said, "'We have to do what is required' to get Donald Trump in office and get Adam Morgan voted into Congress.

The Greenville News efforts to reach Timmon's Tuesday evening for reaction were unsuccessful.

The Republican primary will be held June 11 and early voting begins Tuesday, May 28. Whichever candidate secures the primary vote will face off against Democrat Kathryn Harvey in November.

– A.J. Jackson covers the food & dining scene, along with arts, entertainment and downtown culture for The Greenville News. Contact him by email at ajackson@gannett.com, and follow him on X (formally Twitter) @ajhappened. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Matt Gaetz endorses Adam Morgan: 'Get better Republicans' in Congress