The name Matt Gaetz often triggers polarising discussions in American politics, yet one of his most unexpected revelations had little to do with legislative debates. In June 2020, the Florida congressman disclosed that he had been raising a Cuban immigrant named Nestor Galban, whom he calls his “son.” Gaetz’s announcement sparked curiosity, admiration, and a barrage of scepticism, especially considering the unconventional nature of their relationship.
A Father Figure in Unlikely Circumstances
Nestor Galban, now 23 and serving as an Air Force 1st Class Airman in Germany, first entered Gaetz’s life under extraordinary circumstances. Galban came to the United States from Cuba at the age of 12 following the death of his mother from breast cancer. Gaetz, then a Florida state legislator, was dating Galban’s sister, May Mendez. According to Gaetz, the trio formed a family unit, living together in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
For all those wondering, this is my son Nestor. We share no blood but he is my life. He came from Cuba (legally, of course) six years ago and lives with me in Florida.
I am so proud of him and raising him has been the best, most rewarding thing I’ve done in my life. pic.twitter.com/JB96wzOzYU
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) June 18, 2020
Gaetz has described his relationship with Nestor as one of profound love, telling People magazine, “Raising him has been the best, most rewarding thing I’ve done in my life.” However, Gaetz never formally adopted Galban, a detail that critics have latched onto, questioning the legitimacy of their familial bond. Nonetheless, Gaetz has consistently emphasised that their connection is defined “by love, not paperwork.”
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Public Revelation and Online Backlash
Gaetz’s announcement came unexpectedly during a heated exchange with Democratic Congressman Cedric Richmond. Richmond had argued that Republicans lacked an understanding of systemic racism due to their limited personal experience with non-white children. Gaetz retorted by revealing Nestor’s existence, saying, “Who the hell do you think you are? My son is non-white.”
This revelation led to a surge of online speculation. Hashtags like #FreeNestor trended, and internet sleuths unearthed older social media posts where Gaetz referred to Galban as a “local student” or “House page,” rather than his son. The timing of Gaetz’s announcement, coinciding with political tensions over race and police reform, further fuelled accusations of opportunism.
A Quiet Yet Controversial Journey
Galban has remained largely out of the public eye, rarely posting on social media and maintaining a private Instagram account. Yet, he has made it clear that he views Gaetz as a father figure. In a rare 2020 interview with Tucker Carlson, Galban defended Gaetz, accusing critics of hypocrisy and expressing gratitude for his upbringing. “Matt is not my biological father, but he raised me as his own son when I came from Cuba after my mother’s death,” he stated.
Despite this, questions linger. According to CBS News, Galban briefly lived with his biological father after Gaetz’s relationship with Mendez ended, only to return to Gaetz’s care at 18.
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Scandals and Allegations
Recent developments have cast a shadow over the dynamic between Gaetz and Galban. The congressman is under scrutiny following allegations that he used Galban’s PayPal account to transfer money to women allegedly paid for sexual encounters. Per Daily Mail reports, two women testified to the House Ethics Committee, claiming Gaetz made payments for sex using Venmo and PayPal accounts, including one linked to Galban. While Gaetz has denied the allegations. It remains unclear whether Galban was aware of these transactions.
Family Life and Public Perception
Despite the turbulence, Galban remains close to Gaetz and his wife, Ginger Luckey. He attended their 2021 wedding in Southern California. Ginger frequently shares pictures of Galban on her Instagram, celebrating his accomplishments, including his graduation from Air Force basic training in 2023.
Gaetz has consistently defended his decision to keep Galban out of the public spotlight for most of his teenage years, citing a desire to give him a “normal life“. According to CBS News, he stated, “You’re 12 years old, your mom has just died, you’re learning English… It just wasn’t the right time to subject him to politics.”
