As Marco Rubio gears up to be President-elect Donald Trump's next secretary of state, the Florida political scene is already bustling with activity to choose his successor should the senator be confirmed by the Senate.
Among the several high-profile figures being floated as potential replacements, Lara Trump, the president-elect's daughter-in-law, is mounting a public bid for the seat.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump, currently co-chair of the Republican National Committee, said this week that "if I am able to serve, I would love to serve the people of Florida."
"This is my home state now and has been for three years. This is where Eric and I live and truly to have that opportunity, I think would be incredible, and no one knows better than I do the America first agenda or the goals of Donald Trump and the coming four years. So, if I am asked, I would love to consider it, but I have yet to have a conversation with Governor DeSantis," she added.
Trump has now received the support of Rick Scott, the other Florida senator. According to Axios, Scott spoke with Trump about her interest and is now pushing for her selection. "I hope that's exactly who (Governor Ron DeSantis) picks," he told the outlet, adding that she "did a great job with the RNC. She's a great spokesperson. She's conservative." His endorsement now joins those of Sen. Kattie Britt from Alabama and Rep. Anna Paulina from Florida.
Ron DeSantis is tasked with filling Rubio's seat, and so far he has given no indication of whether a choice has been made. Asked by Florida Politics about reporting that confirmed Lara Trump as the pick, DeSantis spokesperson Bryan Griffin said that the governor is on a week-long trade mission to Italy and that media will be notified when a decision is made.
Trump officially confirmed Rubio as the nominee on Wednesday night. Should he be confirmed by the Senate, DeSantis will be able to appoint his successor bypassing a special election. As well as Lara Trump, other prominent figures in Florida politics have been floated as potential picks.
Ashley Moody, the Florida attorney general, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, first lady Casey DeSantis and Chief of Staff James Uthmeier are the other names that have been floated as possible replacements of Rubio.
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