Florida Governor Ron DeSantis faces a critical decision in selecting a successor for Senator Marco Rubio, who is set to become Secretary of State in the Trump administration.
At a Glance
- Gov. DeSantis to appoint Sen. Rubio’s successor if confirmed as Secretary of State
- Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody emerges as a leading contender
- Appointee must align with Trump’s policy priorities, especially on immigration and federal spending
- Announcement expected around Trump’s inauguration
- Appointed successor faces special election in 2026 and regular election in 2028
The Selection Process
Governor Ron DeSantis finds himself at a crucial juncture as he prepares to choose a replacement for Senator Marco Rubio. The selection carries significant weight for both Florida’s political landscape and national policy direction. While DeSantis has remained tight-lipped about his choice, reports suggest that Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is emerging as the frontrunner for the coveted Senate seat.
Moody, who secured her position as Attorney General in 2018 and won reelection in 2022, has garnered attention for her strong support of both DeSantis and Trump, particularly in legal matters. Her alignment with the administration’s priorities could make her an attractive choice for the role.
If President-elect Donald Trump selects Florida Sen. Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, Gov. Ron DeSantis would gain the power to appoint Rubio's temporary Senate replacement. https://t.co/89p6UViE1l
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) November 12, 2024
The governor’s decision is not without its complexities. DeSantis must carefully weigh several factors, including the candidate’s ability to support Trump’s agenda, particularly on hot-button issues such as illegal immigration and federal spending. The chosen appointee will need to hit the ground running, as they will face a special election in November 2026, followed by a regular election in November 2028.
“I’m not going to be refereeing any ‘who’s in, who’s out,’ but I will say that we’ve done a lot of research on candidates. I think that we’ve got a lot of great people in Florida who’ve made a big difference,” DeSantis said.
While Moody is considered a strong contender, other potential candidates have also emerged. These include Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez, Chief of Staff James Uthmeier, Rep. Cory Mills, and State Sen. Jay Collins. Each brings unique strengths to the table, adding to the complexity of DeSantis’ decision.
The timing of this appointment is particularly significant, as it coincides with Trump’s upcoming inauguration and Rubio’s confirmation process for Secretary of State. The selection will not only shape Florida’s representation in the Senate but also potentially impact the state’s gubernatorial race next year.
Hey, what if DeSantis…chose himself? That would be wild.
