Special Poll
With President-elect Trump’s expected nomination of Florida Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, discussions are intensifying over who might take his place in the Senate. Should Rubio accept the role, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis would need to appoint an interim successor until a special election for the seat is held in 2026. Potential appointees include DeSantis’s chief of staff, Florida’s lieutenant governor, the state’s attorney general, and even Florida’s first lady, Casey DeSantis.
This development could set off a chain reaction in Florida’s political landscape as prominent Republicans, including DeSantis himself, weigh the implications for their own futures. “It’s hard to imagine a scenario that doesn’t involve a DeSantis,” noted one GOP strategist, referring to the governor’s deep influence in the state and his potential aspirations beyond his current role.
Among the possible successors floated, Alabama Senator Katie Britt suggested that Trump’s daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, could be a strong candidate. Others see DeSantis’s chief of staff, James Uthmeier, as a likely choice, with Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez and Attorney General Ashley Moody also mentioned as contenders. Trump might also advocate for Lara Trump’s appointment, adding to the list of possible replacements.
As DeSantis approaches the end of his governorship in 2026, questions arise about his next move. Though he didn’t secure the Republican nomination in this cycle, DeSantis remains a prominent GOP figure, and a future presidential bid is still in play. The Senate could serve as a strategic “launching pad” for DeSantis, giving him a platform to stay visible and active in national politics. “You need a perch,” explained a strategist. “Leaving the governor’s mansion without a clear next step risks fading from public attention.”
Another possibility is that DeSantis could appoint a placeholder, like Uthmeier, to hold the Senate seat until the 2026 election, after which he could potentially run for a full term. Alternatively, DeSantis might consider appointing himself to the Senate, though this would require him to resign as governor and promote Lt. Gov. Nuñez to the governorship. Historically, only one of nine governors who took this path succeeded in a subsequent election, making it a high-stakes decision.
Some Republicans believe DeSantis doesn’t need a Senate seat to pursue the presidency in 2028, given that the race will likely begin soon after the 2026 midterms. They argue that maintaining his role as governor could be a more effective way to emphasize his executive leadership experience.
Adding to the dynamic, Vice President-elect JD Vance, seen by some as a leading GOP figure for 2028, may complicate any future presidential aspirations for DeSantis. “Vance could be the first Republican vice president since George H.W. Bush with a serious shot at the nomination,” remarked one strategist. However, others downplay the idea that Vance’s candidacy would deter DeSantis or other ambitious Republicans from running.
Florida has taken center stage in the Trump administration’s transition efforts, especially after strong GOP performances in recent elections. Beyond Rubio’s potential nomination, Trump has tapped Florida Representative Mike Waltz for national security adviser, and his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach has become a hub for transition activities, with veteran Florida strategist Susie Wiles leading as Trump’s incoming White House chief of staff. Meanwhile, Rubio’s colleague, Senator Rick Scott, is mounting a bid for Senate Majority Leader, backed by Trump allies, including Elon Musk.
As one GOP strategist joked, “The only thing missing now is a House Speaker from Florida.”