DeSantis gets chance to shape political future with Rubio Senate replacement
By
Samantha-Jo Roth
November 14, 2024 7:00 am
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Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) will get to appoint a replacement for Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), a choice that will force him to balance the preferences of President-elect Donald Trump with what could benefit his own political future.
After days of speculation, Rubio was nominated to become the next secretary of state on Wednesday, giving DeSantis the power to unilaterally appoint someone to fill Rubio’s vacant Senate seat. DeSantis’s choice would hold the seat until 2026, when a special election would then be held to fill the remaining two years of Rubio’s term.
DeSantis, who unsuccessfully challenged Trump in the presidential primary, could appoint himself or his wife, first lady Casey DeSantis, to the Senate post, but insiders don’t think that’s going to happen. Instead, there are a raft of senior Florida officials being eyed instead. DeSantis could also appoint a caretaker who would step aside so he could run for Senate later — in 2026.
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https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/senate/3229580/desantis-political-future-rubio-senate-replacement/
