Pending official confirmation, Senator Marco Rubio will be appointed Secretary of State by the incoming Trump administration, The New York Times anticipated. If Rubio's appointment is confirmed, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will have to decide who fills his U.S. Senate seat. Speculation has emerged around whom this person may be, as this political shift could potentially shape Florida's representation on the national stage.
Rubio, currently serving his third term in the U.S. Senate, has extensive experience in foreign affairs and intelligence, according to Florida Politics. He was even shortlisted for Vice President, but Trump decided against having two members of the ticket from the same state and chose JD Vance instead. Moreover, during his first term, Trump referred to his Latin America policies as "Make Marco Rubio Happy," suggesting Rubio's significant influence in the White House, The New York Post reported.
Governor DeSantis has the authority to appoint Rubio's successor, bypassing a special election and allowing him to select a replacement who shares his political vision. Several prominent Florida Republicans have emerged as potential contenders, as especulated by Florida Politic's correspondent A.G. Gancarski.
Ashley Moody, Attorney General of Florida
Moody is a prominent member of Florida's Cabinet and is highly regarded within the GOP. According to the New York Post, Moody has worked "hand in glove" with DeSantis since Joe Biden's 2020 election and is one of the governor's most enthusiastic advocates. She has a strong legal background and a focus on public safety, Moody's profile matches the GOP's priorities on law enforcement and border security. Her term ends in 2026, aligning with an opportunity to pivot to the Senate if selected.
Jimmy Patronis, Chief Financial Officer of Florida
Another Cabinet member term-limited in 2026, Patronis is also a seasoned Republican with a strong financial and public administration portfolio. Known for his fiscal conservatism and pro-business policies, Patronis could appeal to both DeSantis' conservative base and business interests in Florida. The Republican is also a big supporter of crypto currency and aligns with DeSanti's wishes to prohibit central bank digital currencies.
Casey DeSantis, First Lady of Florida
First Lady Casey DeSantis, a former television host and influential presence in Florida politics, has reportedly harbored political ambitions of her own. Her close association with Governor DeSantis and public visibility in Florida make her a notable option, though her appointment could also attract scrutiny as a nepotism selection.
James Uthmeier, DeSantis' Chief of Staff
Per Florida Politics, Uthmeier has been a pivotal figure in DeSantis' administration, serving as Chief of Staff since October 2021. Before his tenure with Governor DeSantis, Uthmeier held positions in the federal government and private sector. His extensive experience in both legal and advisory capacities has made him a trusted and influential member of Governor DeSantis' team.
While Rubio's nomination as Secretary of State has garnered widespread approval from Florida Republicans, who praise his commitment to freedom and leadership, critics online label him a 'neoconservative,' pointing to his past clashes with Trump during the 2016 Republican primaries. Former Texas Congressman Ron Paul voiced his opposition in a video that quickly became viral on X stating that Rubio as Secretary of State would not be "good for the country" or "the world." Paul described Rubio as an "authoritarian" and added that giving him power could be "deadly."
Rubio's appointment has yet to be confirmed by President-elect Donald Trump.
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