Lara Trump Emerges as Top Contender for Marco Rubio’s Senate Seat in Florida

As Marco Rubio eyes the Secretary of State position, Lara Trump emerges as a potential successor for his Florida Senate seat, sparking debate within the Republican Party.

At a Glance

Senator Marco Rubio may become Secretary of State under President-elect Donald J. Trump
Lara Trump, Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law, is being considered to fill Rubio’s Senate seat
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has the power to appoint a temporary replacement
Senator Rick Scott and other GOP lawmakers endorse Lara Trump for the position
The decision could impact the balance of power in the Senate

Lara Trump: A Rising Star in Florida Politics

As Senator Marco Rubio prepares to potentially step into the role of Secretary of State under President-elect Donald J. Trump, a new political scenario is unfolding in Florida. Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of the former president and newly elected co-chair of the Republican National Committee, has emerged as a top contender to fill Rubio’s Senate seat.

The decision to appoint a temporary replacement lies with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has yet to indicate his choice. However, a coalition of Donald Trump’s allies, including Florida’s other Republican senator, Rick Scott, has thrown their support behind Lara Trump.

Endorsements and Support

Senator Rick Scott has been particularly vocal in his endorsement of Lara Trump. In a statement to Axios, Scott revealed that he had spoken to Lara Trump about filling the seat and expressed his hope that she would be DeSantis’s pick.

“Scott told Axios he has spoken to Lara Trump about filling the seat and he hopes “that’s exactly who [Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis] picks” to replace Rubio, calling her a “great spokesperson” who “did a great job with the RNC.”” – Rick Scott

Other supporters include Representative Anna Paulina Luna and Senator Katie Britt, further solidifying Lara Trump’s position as a serious contender for the role.

Lara Trump’s Political Profile

Lara Trump’s political profile has been significantly strengthened by the Republican success in the 2024 elections. Her role as co-chair of the Republican National Committee and her close alignment with Donald Trump’s America-first policies have positioned her as a formidable candidate for the Senate seat.

“I don’t think you’ll find a person who is more in line with Donald Trump’s America-first values and policies than me” – Ms. Trump

Her familiarity with the Trump administration’s agenda and her experience as a campaign surrogate have made her a recognizable figure within the party. Lara Trump has expressed interest in the position, citing her deep understanding of the America First agenda.

The Path Forward

If Senator Rubio is confirmed as Secretary of State, he will need to step down from his Senate seat. At that point, Governor DeSantis will select a replacement to serve until the 2026 election. While Lara Trump is a strong contender, other potential candidates include DeSantis’ chief of staff James Uthmeier and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody.

The appointment of Lara Trump to the Senate would represent a significant shift in Florida’s political landscape and potentially impact the balance of power in the Senate. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Governor DeSantis and his decision regarding this crucial appointment.

Lara Trump on the possibility of taking over Marco Rubio's Senate seat:

"I would love to serve the people of Florida… If I am asked, I would love to consider it but I have yet to have a conversation with Governor DeSantis."pic.twitter.com/c3mKrqI6Rq

— The American Conservative (@amconmag) November 14, 2024