As the 2022 midterm election looms around the corner, lawmakers are preparing for reelection campaigns while still addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Republican lawmakers now face the threat of being “primaried” by pro-Trump candidates, and President Donald Trump (R) has already confirmed that he will be campaigning against Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski (R).
In Florida, one lawmaker who potentially faces a number of Democratic rivals is Senator Marco Rubio (R), but a new poll indicates that he’s heading into election season with a slight lead over any of his potential Democratic challengers.
Thus far, Rep. Matt Gaetz, Ivanka Trump, and former Attorney General Pam Bondi have all announced that they would not primary-challenge Senator Rubio in 2022, dispelling the rumors that they were a run for Rubio's seat. The Floridian first reported on this.
In a new Mason Dixon poll, 46% of Florida voters argued that they preferred for Rubio to remain in the Senate while 40% of voters argued that he should be replaced. In contrast, 14% said they were unsure. However, along party lines, 81% of Republicans support Rubio while 78% of Democrats do not support him.
He could potentially face a number of Democratic rivals such as former Florida Rep. Debbie Mucarsel Powell, former Governor of Florida and current Rep. Charlie Crist, Rep. Stephanie Murphy, who has said that she is strongly considering it, and Florida Rep. Ted Deutch. Rubio could even face former Republican Rep. David Jolly who is now a registered Independent.
Rubio has also been touted as a potential 2024 presidential candidate, but he has not confirmed whether or not he would make another presidential run in 2024.
