DeSantis sets timetable for naming Rubio Senate successor amid calls for a Trump to fill the seat

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced that he is in the process of selecting a replacement for Senator Marco Rubio, who has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of State. DeSantis stated that a decision on the new senator is likely to be made by early January, with the governor’s office already vetting several potential candidates.

Rubio is expected to resign from the Senate to assume his new role in the Trump administration on January 20th, leaving a vacancy that DeSantis will need to fill. The governor mentioned that they have received strong interest from multiple candidates and are continuing to gather names for consideration. More extensive vetting and interviews will take place over the coming weeks, with a selection expected to be made at the beginning of January.

Amid speculations, some key Trump allies have suggested Lara Trump, the Republican National Committee co-chair and daughter-in-law of the president-elect, as a potential candidate for the Senate seat. Others who have endorsed Lara Trump include Senator Rick Scott, Senators Lindsey Graham and Katie Britt, as well as Representative Anna Paulina Luna.

DeSantis, who had a rocky relationship with Trump during the 2024 GOP presidential nomination race, has since reconciled with the former president and endorsed him for the general election. He emphasized the importance of selecting a senator who aligns with Trump’s policies and values, such as strong immigration and border security, conservative principles, and a proven track record of results.

While calls for Lara Trump’s nomination have gained momentum, DeSantis made it clear that he will not rush into a decision. He has the authority to appoint a temporary replacement for Rubio until the next general election in 2026, as per Florida law. Other names being considered for the Senate seat include James Uthmeier, Jeanette Nuñez, Ashley Moody, Paul Renner, and Jose Oliva.

In conclusion, Governor DeSantis is working diligently to choose a suitable candidate to fill Senator Rubio’s seat, ensuring that Florida is represented by a senator who will uphold conservative values and work towards fulfilling President Trump’s agenda. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.