Matt Gaetz, the former Florida representative and nominee for Attorney General under President-elect Donald Trump, announced Thursday that he is withdrawing from consideration for the role. Gaetz cited the “distraction” caused by lingering allegations related to alleged misconduct as the primary reason for stepping aside.

 “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz said in a statement. “There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I’ll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump’s DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1.”

The announcement follows months of scrutiny over allegations that Gaetz was involved in sexual misconduct, including accusations of paying underage women for sex. Although the Justice Department (DOJ) concluded its investigation earlier this year without filing charges, the House Ethics Committee had continued its own probe until Gaetz’s resignation from Congress last week.

The committee reportedly deadlocked this week on whether to release its findings, leaving the matter unresolved. Gaetz has consistently denied all allegations, calling them baseless.

“We have just spoken with the DOJ and have been informed that they have concluded their investigation into Congressman Gaetz and allegations related to sex trafficking and obstruction of justice, and they have determined not to bring any charges against him,” Gaetz’s attorneys said in a February statement.

President-elect Trump, who nominated Gaetz just over a week ago, expressed gratitude for his ally’s efforts. “I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect. Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will.”

Trump had praised Gaetz as a staunch ally during his time in Congress and cited his focus on reforming the DOJ as a key reason for the nomination.

Gaetz’s withdrawal leaves the Attorney General position vacant, with Trump now considering other candidates from a broad list that includes former DOJ officials, current members of Congress, and outside legal experts.

Fox News listed prominent names on the short list, which include:

– Mark Paoletta, former White House attorney and counsel to then-Vice President Mike Pence.

– Andrew Bailey, Missouri Attorney General, known for his lawsuits against the Biden administration and conservative legal advocacy.

Gaetz faced an uncertain path to Senate confirmation anyways, even in a Republican-controlled chamber; it was unclear whether he would have secured the votes needed to serve in the key Cabinet role.