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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is taking a measured approach to selecting Senator Marco Rubio’s replacement in Congress, following President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement of Rubio as his future Secretary of State.
The governor plans to conduct extensive interviews and vetting throughout December, with an announcement expected in early January. According to one of DeSantis’ advisers who spoke to NBC News, “The governor will be conducting a thorough vetting process and interview process in December that will involve several candidates. He’s not in a hurry to make an important decision.”
BREAKING: Lara Trump just announced that she is ready to replace Marco Rubio in the Senate if Ron DeSantis makes the call
“If I am able to serve, I would love to serve the people of Florida."
If this happens, we will have a Trump keeping an eye on the crooks in Congress. Her… pic.twitter.com/bN2kWlASrC
— George (@BehizyTweets) November 14, 2024
Speculation about DeSantis potentially appointing himself has been dismissed, with sources indicating he’s unlikely to pursue the Senate position either as Rubio’s immediate successor or in the 2026 special election. A state Republican insider noted to NBC News, “The governor is not looking for a placeholder and seems unlikely to pursue the Senate himself.”
Given the Republicans’ slim majority in the House, DeSantis is reportedly steering clear of considering current House members for the position. The governor also faces another key appointment decision, as he must select a new chief financial officer to replace Jimmy Patronis, who’s departing to pursue Matt Gaetz’s former congressional seat.
Political analyst Tara Newsom told WFLA, “These appointments are really going to reveal what DeSantis has in mind for his future and how Florida’s going to play out in that strategy. Remember that as much as Ron DeSantis is an apprentice of Donald Trump, he’s also got an independent streak.”
🚨BREAKING: FL Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna calls on Gov. DeSantis to fill Marco Rubio's Senate vacancy after being named Trump's Secretary of State with current RNC Co-Chair Lara Trump
"I think she is the best fit." pic.twitter.com/T9ojcYMBpD
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) November 12, 2024
Lara Trump, the president-elect’s daughter-in-law and RNC co-chair, has emerged as a potential candidate, with support from prominent figures including Elon Musk. She recently told Fox News, “If I am tapped to serve in another capacity, it truly would be my honor. I have not been asked yet, but I certainly would strongly consider it if it is presented to me.”
Other potential candidates include Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, Attorney General Ashley Moody, former House Speaker Paul Renner, Secretary of State Cord Byrd, former House Speaker Jose Oliva, and DeSantis’s chief of staff James Uthmeier.
