Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Monday that he has initiated the process of selecting a successor to Senator Marco Rubio, should the Cuban-American be confirmed as Secretary of State in the upcoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. Rubio, who has served as Florida's senator since 2010, has been nominated by Trump for this prominent diplomatic position.
If confirmed by the Senate, as protocol dictates, Rubio will make history as the first Latino to hold the position, becoming the highest-ranking Hispanic official in the U.S. government. According to the U.S. Constitution and Florida state laws, the governor has the authority to appoint a temporary replacement for the Senate. This appointee would serve until the regular elections in 2026.
Selection Process Underway
In a post on social media platform X, DeSantis shared that the pre-selection process is already underway, noting that there has been "significant interest" from potential candidates. "Senator Marco Rubio is expected to resign from the Senate to take on the role of Secretary of State when the Trump administration assumes power on January 20, creating a vacancy in about two months from now. We have already received considerable interest from various potential candidates and continue to gather additional names for preliminary evaluation," DeSantis stated on X.
He further explained, "In the coming weeks, we will conduct more thorough evaluations and interviews with candidates, with the selection likely to occur in early January. Florida deserves a senator who will support Trump's mandate, be strong on immigration and border security, and be guided by conservative principles with proven results."
Potential Candidates Emerge
Among the prominent Republican figures being considered are:
- Jeanette Núñez, Florida's Lieutenant Governor, known for her close ties to DeSantis and leadership experience.
- Ashley Moody, the state's Attorney General, recognized for her focus on legal and conservative issues.
- Lara Trump, the president-elect's daughter-in-law and co-chair of the Republican National Committee, publicly supported by Senator Rick Scott.
- Paul Renner, former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
- James Uthmeier, DeSantis's Chief of Staff, who may also be considered due to his close relationship with the governor.
The possibility of Lara Trump being selected has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a strategic move by DeSantis to strengthen ties with Trump and secure support within the Republican base.
Replacing Rubio could shift the balance in the Senate, currently split between 51 Republicans and 49 Democrats. The new senator would join Rick Scott, recently reelected, during a pivotal time for national conservative policies.
Meanwhile, Rubio is preparing to lead U.S. diplomacy amid a complex global landscape, facing challenges in countries such as China, Cuba, and Iran. His confirmation is anticipated in the coming weeks, which will officially trigger the selection process for his successor in the Florida Senate.