Florida Governor Ron DeSantis may soon face a significant opportunity to appoint a new U.S. Senator if Marco Rubio is selected as President-elect Donald Trump’s Secretary of State. While the decision reportedly isn’t finalized, the appointment would allow DeSantis to strategically influence his political future, especially as he considers a potential run for the presidency in 2028.
Should Rubio depart, the appointee would serve until 2026, at which point a special election would help fill the remaining two years of Rubio’s term. This decision presents DeSantis with a choice: appoint someone who could run in the upcoming 2026 special election or select a temporary replacement to maintain flexibility in his own political ambitions.
Among the possible candidates are Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Núñez, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, and DeSantis’ chief of staff, James Uthmeier. Núñez and Rubio share Cuban-American heritage, potentially maintaining diversity in representation. Moody has proven herself as a loyal supporter of DeSantis, while Uthmeier recently played a crucial role in defeating two ballot measures concerning marijuana legalization and abortion rights, reflecting DeSantis’ political agenda.
While some speculate that DeSantis could appoint himself or his wife, Casey DeSantis, he has indicated a preference for his current role as a state executive, citing a desire to focus on impactful governance rather than a return to congressional duties.
Moreover, Trump and his allies may influence DeSantis’ decision by advocating for their preferred candidates, with Lara Trump, a resident of Florida and co-chair of the Republican National Committee, being mentioned as a potential appointee.
DeSantis has previously shown interest in Rubio’s Senate seat, initially pursuing it in 2016 before ultimately running for governor. The last governor to fill a Senate vacancy in Florida was Charlie Crist in 2009, who appointed George LeMieux after Mel Martinez resigned.
As DeSantis embarks on a trade mission in Italy, he is expected to return to Florida soon, potentially facing the prospect of a vacant Senate seat alongside the need to call a special election for Representative Mike Waltz, who has been approached by Trump for a National Security Advisor position.
This unfolding political scenario could shape Florida’s representation in the Senate and have significant ramifications for DeSantis’ future endeavors. The next steps will be closely watched as they not only influence state politics but also the national Republican landscape.
In summary, the potential appointment of a new senator presents an opportunity for Governor DeSantis to assert his influence within the party, which may bolster his future ambitions. As Florida navigates through these political transitions, the focus will remain on maintaining stable and effective representation for the constituents. This could bring about fresh perspectives and ideas in Senate discussions, fostering a hopeful outlook for governance in the state.