With the nomination of Cuban-American Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State by elected President Donald Trump, the future of Florida's Senate seat has sparked speculation about who might replace the Cuban-American politician if he is confirmed in his new role.
If the Senate approves his nomination, Rubio would become the first Latino to hold this position and the Latino with the most significant role in the history of the U.S. government; however, his departure would leave a seat vacant that he has occupied since 2010.
According to Florida laws, Governor Ron DeSantis has the authority to appoint an interim successor to the Senate until a special election is held, scheduled for 2026. Among the most frequently mentioned names as potential successors are prominent figures from the Florida Republican Party, as reported by Telemundo 51.
Among the names mentioned are:
Jeanette Núñez, the current lieutenant governor of Florida, is seen as one of the top contenders. Her leadership profile and her close relationship with DeSantis position her as a key figure in this process.
Ashley Moody, Florida's Attorney General, has also been mentioned as a potential candidate due to her strong legal background and her connections to the more conservative wing of the state.
José Oliva, former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, has significant support within state politics, and his legislative experience could make him a viable candidate.
Laurel Lee, state representative, is another figure who has drawn attention as a potential successor, especially due to her focus on security and justice issues.
James Uthmeier, currently DeSantis' chief of staff, has also been included in the list of potential appointees due to his close relationship with the governor and his experience in political and administrative affairs.
There has also been speculation about the possibility of Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump, taking the position. Although she does not have an extensive political career, her connection to the Trump family could play a significant role in her nomination.
A more unusual scenario would be for Ron DeSantis to designate himself as a senator. For this to happen, the governor would have to resign from his position, allowing Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Núñez to assume the governorship and subsequently appoint DeSantis as her successor in the Senate.
Although this option is less likely, it is not impossible, as there are precedents of governors who have taken this path.
The replacement of Rubio in the Senate would alter the composition of the legislative body, which is currently divided between 51 Republicans and 49 Democrats, with the participation of two independent senators. Whoever is appointed by DeSantis would have the chance to join Senator Rick Scott, who recently secured his reelection.
Meanwhile, Rubio is preparing to take on the responsibility of leading American diplomacy at a pivotal moment, during which he is expected to advocate for an aggressive foreign policy focused on national interests, with an emphasis on countries such as China, Cuba, and Iran.
The confirmation of his appointment as Secretary of State could take place in the coming weeks, officially starting the selection process for his successor in the Florida Senate.
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