As Marco Rubio prepares to become Secretary of State, the focus shifts to Florida’s incoming Senate appointment.
At a Glance
- Gov. Ron DeSantis considers candidates for Rubio’s Senate seat.
- Lara Trump expresses interest but lacks legislative experience.
- The decision prioritizes proven legislative results.
DeSantis’s Strategy for Senate Appointment
With Senator Marco Rubio’s anticipated move to Secretary of State, Governor Ron DeSantis is tasked with appointing a new face to the Senate. Among the potential candidates, Lara Trump’s name has circulated, largely due to her influential role within the Republican National Committee. DeSantis emphasizes the crucial need for candidates boasting substantial legislative experience to effectively represent Florida’s interests.
The Governor aims to ensure the next senator has qualities such as strong immigration policies and economic development credentials. Lara Trump’s current role highlights her value to the Republican National Committee, but DeSantis prioritizes candidates with a more proven legislative track record to fulfill President Trump’s vision.
The exact sort of thing DeSantis' team was hoping to avoid, but was likely inevitable
Trump world is going to push Lara hard for the Senate post, and what happens next if DeSantis does not appoint her (he has other plans)?
Background: https://t.co/f01aSWcepi https://t.co/6FHbhPlgtl pic.twitter.com/G8ZSY1Bbzu
— Matt Dixon (@Mdixon55) November 13, 2024
Evaluating Lara Trump’s Potential
Lara Trump’s involvement with the Republican National Committee demonstrates her leadership abilities but lacks the legislative background favored by DeSantis. Her expressed interest in serving Florida in the Senate highlights her commitment to public service. However, the Governor’s firm stance on legislative experience as a key attribute presents a significant hurdle in her path.
“I know my name has been thrown out there a lot, and I would say that my experience at the RNC has really shown me, you know, serving the American people, and if I were tapped for this, serving my home state now, of Florida, it’s a great honor and a great responsibility, obviously, but I would love to be able to go forward and do more. If this is something I’m asked to do, I would seriously consider it. But I have yet to hear from Governor DeSantis, so, we’ll see what happens.” – Lara Trump
Appointing Lara Trump might detract from her achievements and influence within the RNC, suggesting that she may be strategically more effective in her current role. The decision emphasizes sustaining valuable leadership within the Republican committee while selecting a Senate candidate ready for the legislative challenges ahead.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) has called on Ron DeSantis to appoint Lara Trump to the US Senate
If appointed she’d fill the vacancy left by Marco Rubio until a Special Election can be held in 2026.
Pro
– She did great work at the RNC with election integrity, raising an army of… pic.twitter.com/VndSzbhJRI— Brian BJ (@iamBrianBJ) November 14, 2024
Florida’s Future Representation
Governor DeSantis’s decision will shape Florida’s political landscape and influence power dynamics on Capitol Hill. Knowing Lara Trump’s value, the Governor appears to be weighing her contributions against legislative priorities, ensuring the next senator can advocate effectively.
“Florida deserves a Senator who will help President Trump deliver on his election mandate, be strong on immigration and border security, take on the entrenched bureaucracy and administrative state, reverse the nation’s fiscal decline, be animated by conservative principles, and has a proven record of results.” – Gov. DeSantis
The strategic appointment process evaluates not just popularity, but the capability to deliver measurable outcomes for constituents and the party. As DeSantis delves into this critical Senate selection, the decision will undeniably echo beyond Florida, setting the tone for Republican strategies nationwide.
Sources say Donald Trump has spoken to FL Governor Ron DeSantis and told him, not suggested, that Lara Trump be named to the Senate seat now vacated by Marco "Little Hands" Rubio. DeSantis has been told in no uncertain terms he does not have a choice, and Ron is looking at 2028.
— Ed Berliner (@BerlinerSpeaks) November 18, 2024