Richard Hudson

A new book by a former congressional aide provides a detailed account of the tense moment U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., appeared to lunge at then-Rep. Matt Gaetz during the chaotic Speaker of the House election in January 2023.

John Leganski, who served as deputy chief of staff for floor operations for former speaker Kevin McCarthy, chronicles the confrontation in “Glory, Grief, and the Gavel,” set for release Tuesday.

According to a CBS News exclusive, the book describes how the altercation unfolded during the 14th round of voting on Jan. 6, 2023, after four days of gridlock driven by a small group of far-right holdouts led by Gaetz.

According to Leganski’s account, tensions escalated late at night when Gaetz voted “present,” effectively blocking McCarthy’s path to the speakership for the 14th time.

McCarthy had urged Gaetz to help finish the vote so members could attend to personal and health emergencies, but Gaetz dismissed the plea.

“I don’t think you understand,” Gaetz told McCarthy’s staff, according to the CBS, which obtained an early copy of the book.

“That does not concern me whatsoever. Personal appeals have no effect on me.”

As Gaetz argued with McCarthy’s staff about the voting schedule, Rogers, the Armed Services Committee chairman elected in 2002, approached him.

“Matt, I won’t forget this,” Rogers yelled, according to Leganski. “You hear me?”

The situation nearly turned physical until Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., intervened.

Still photographers captured the moment Hudson grabbed Rogers by the face and pulled him back to prevent a fight during the congressional session.

The emotional toll was evident among other lawmakers.

Leganski said that Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La. of Louisiana wept in the aftermath, while Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Tex., was seen staring at Gaetz while reciting the Rosary.

Despite the near-violence, Gaetz approached McCarthy later that night and said, “We’re good. We’ll do it tonight.”

McCarthy was finally elected on the 15th ballot.

Rogers eventually apologized in a post to X for “briefly losing his temper,” and Gaetz responded that he had forgiven him.

Less than nine months after the confrontation, Gaetz led the successful effort to remove McCarthy from the speakership in October 2023.

Gaetz resigned from Congress in 2024 and later withdrew as Trump’s pick for U.S. attorney general amid sex trafficking and drug allegations.

The former Florida congressman now hosts a political talk show on the One America News Network

Representatives for Gaetz and Rogers did not respond to requests for comment from CBS, the outlet reported.