Florida GOP Rep. Mike Waltz tests positive for COVID-19

Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) announced late Friday that he has tested positive for COVID-19.

Waltz, 46, won his reelection bid this week against Democratic challenger Clint Curtis before he tested positive on Thursday using a rapid test, The Daytona Beach News-Journal reported.

Waltz’s campaign spokeswoman, Erin Isaac, said a lab result confirmed his infection on Friday, adding that the lawmaker has been cautious regarding the virus. No other staff or family members are infected, Isaac added.

“I’ve purposefully tested every week, have now isolated, and reached out to people for notifications,” Waltz said in a statement. “We are fortunate all of my staff or family are fine.”

Waltz said he most likely contracted the virus while attending public meetings with voters this week or while dining at a celebration for Republicans in Daytona Beach, Fla., following Tuesday’s election.

“I encourage everyone to take appropriate precautions, particularly those in higher risk categories,” he said. “I will absolutely continue to serve my district and am so very honored with the trust Floridians placed in me Nov. 3rd.”

Waltz represents Volusia and Flagler counties as well as portions of St. Johns and Lake counties in his congressional district.

Florida recorded 5,245 additional coronavirus infections on Friday, the News-Journal noted.

On Saturday, Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz denied a Politico report that he had contracted the virus, saying on social media that he had tested positive for antibodies and exhibited no symptoms.

The developments came as several White House staffers tested positive for COVID-19 after it was confirmed that chief of staff Mark Meadows came down with an infection, according to an official with knowledge on the matter.

The Hill reached out to Waltz’s office but did not immediately receive a response.