Nov 8, 2022 - Politics & Policy
Rubio wins re-election, defeating Demings in Florida
- Martin Vassolo, author ofAxios Miami
Sen. Marco Rubio speaks at a rally in Miami on Nov. 6. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Republican Sen. Marco Rubio defeated his Democratic challenger, Rep. Val Demings, in Tuesday's election, the Associated Press reported.
Why it matters: Rubio's re-election victory reinforces that Florida, which elected President Obama twice, may no longer be a swing state.
- Former President Trump won the Sunshine State in 2016 and 2020, and he campaigned for Rubio at a rally in Miami last weekend.
- Rubio cast Demings as a rubber stamp for President Biden's agenda, hoping to capitalize on voter concerns about inflation and Biden's low approval ratings.
Between the lines: The incumbent made national news leading up to the election after a GOP canvasser wearing a Rubio shirt was attacked in Hialeah, Florida, an incident Rubio and the canvasser have claimed was politically motivated.
Background: Rubio has served in the Senate since 2011. He ran an unsuccessful campaign for president in 2016.
- A rising political star since a young age, Rubio was 26 when he was elected a West Miami city commissioner and became speaker of the Florida House in his mid-30s.