Governor Ron DeSantis recently hinted that he’ll announce his pick for Senator Marco Rubio’s soon-to-be-vacant U.S. Senate seat by early January. The vetting process is already in full swing, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Why the vacancy? President-elect Donald Trump officially tapped Rubio for the role of Secretary of State in his incoming administration. Rubio, a three-term senator and senior Republican voice on the Senate Foreign Relations and Intelligence Committees, is set to step down once Trump takes office on January 20th.
DeSantis is keeping his cards close but shared that the search is well underway. “We’ve received strong interest from several candidates,” he said. “Preliminary vetting is ongoing, and more in-depth interviews will take place over the coming weeks.” In other words, Florida, hang tight—big news is coming soon!
Now, here’s where things get even more interesting: Lara Trump, the president-elect’s daughter-in-law and Republican National Committee co-chair, has been floated as a top contender. Heavyweights like Florida’s Senator Rick Scott, South Carolina’s Lindsey Graham, and Alabama’s Katie Britt have all thrown their support behind her. Even Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna has chimed in.
But don’t expect DeSantis to rush. In his statement, he emphasized that Florida needs someone who aligns with Trump’s “America First” vision—strong on immigration, conservative principles, and reversing fiscal decline. It’s clear DeSantis isn’t just looking for loyalty; he wants someone who delivers results.
The governor’s calculated approach also shows his political savvy. Remember, he and Trump had their ups and downs during the 2024 GOP primaries. But since endorsing Trump for the general election, DeSantis has been a team player, helping to raise funds and rally support.
What does this mean for Florida and the nation? One thing’s for sure: this decision will shape the political scene for years to come.
Want the scoop as it unfolds? Keep an eye out—we’ll be sharing updates!
