Florida Governor Ron DeSantis faces a delicate political decision regarding the appointment of a U.S. Senate replacement for Marco Rubio after the senator’s nomination to become Secretary of State in the incoming Trump administration. DeSantis has stated he will make his decision by early January, but has emphasized that he will conduct a thorough vetting process, which means the appointment may not come until after Christmas.
One significant question is whether DeSantis will appoint a placeholder, someone who will serve until 2026, or make a longer-term selection. DeSantis has ruled out running for the Senate seat himself, which suggests he will choose someone for the longer term.
Additionally, there’s speculation that DeSantis may face pressure from President-elect Trump, who has indicated a preference for appointing Lara Trump, his daughter-in-law, to the position. While Trump himself has not publicly endorsed Lara’s candidacy, prominent Trump supporters, including Elon Musk, have floated her name.
The decision is complicated by DeSantis’s relationship with Trump, which has shifted since DeSantis challenged Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. The governor must balance the desire to appease Trump’s base while also maintaining his political independence.
If DeSantis chooses not to appoint Lara Trump, other Florida Republicans—such as Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and former House Speaker Paul Renner—are seen as likely candidates. However, DeSantis is not considering current members of Congress due to the narrow GOP majority in the House.
DeSantis’s choice could impact his future political ambitions, particularly as he looks ahead to a potential presidential run in 2028. The appointment is not only a matter of state politics but also a move that could influence his standing with the MAGA base.