DeSantis' decision in filling Rubio's Senate seat could shape his political future
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Photo illustration: Maura Losch/Axios. Photo: Tristan Wheelock/Bloomberg via Getty Images.
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio's reported selection as secretary of state might hand Gov. Ron DeSantis a political lifeline — or set him on a collision course with President-elect Trump.
Why it matters: DeSantis will be termed out as governor in 2026, and a seat in the U.S. Senate could provide him the continued relevance he needs to make another campaign for the White House.
How it works: With Rubio's term set to end in 2028, a resignation would grant DeSantis the power to appoint a successor — one who would serve until a special election in 2026 to determine who finishes the term.
The intrigue: DeSantis could appoint one of his allies to serve as a caretaker, allowing him to run for the seat without an incumbent challenger. His pick would have to be someone credible — but not a threat.
- Potential choices include Lt. Gov. Jeanette Núñez, Attorney General Ashley Moody and chief of staff James Uthmeier, who has been floated as a frontrunner.
- Some have mused that DeSantis could also resign and have Núñez appoint him to the seat, but he'd surrender two years of his governorship in a move that could backfire with voters.
Flashback: DeSantis wouldn't be the first governor of Florida to fill a vacated U.S. Senate seat with a long-term aide.
- Then-Gov. Charlie Crist did so in 2009 when he appointed his former chief of staff, George LeMieux.
- Crist launched a campaign to succeed LeMieux but lost when Rubio entered the race to the right of him. LeMieux later endorsed Rubio when Crist left the GOP to run as an independent.
What they're saying: "I would keep the governor's office where I could apply maximum pressure for fundraising for my Senate race in 2026," says former Republican operative Mac Stipanovich.
- "I would explain that I have a duty to appoint a caretaker… someone who I have absolute confidence can represent the people of Florida until they have the opportunity to go to the polls and select their own senator."
Friction point: Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) called for DeSantis to appoint President-elect Trump's daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, to Rubio's seat.
- DeSantis and Trump have, at times, had a fraught relationship. Now, DeSantis finds himself pressured to appoint Trump's daughter-in-law over a loyalist who could keep the seat warm for him.
- Should Trump intervene in the 2026 special election, DeSantis could face a similar situation to Crist.
The bottom line: DeSantis again faces the challenge of balancing MAGA loyalty against his own ambitions.