After The Floridian first reported that two presumptive senatorial candidates, Ivanka Trump and former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, would not be running against Senator Marco Rubio in the 2022 mid-term election, it was only a matter of time before former President Donald Trump stepped in and lent his "Complete and Total Endorsement of Sen. Rubio.
Contrary to what some Trump Republicans think of Rubio, Rubio was as loyal as could be during President Trump's term in office and help frame the president's Western Hemisphere position. Many Floridians who were, are still hung up over the 2016 Republican presidential primary race, can now try to put it behind them because there won't be a legitimate primary challenge to Rubio this election cycle.
Trump spelled out:
"It is my honor to give U.S. Senator Marco Rubio my Complete and Total Endorsement. Marco has been a tireless advocate for the people of Florida, fighting to cut taxes, supporting our Second Amendment, our Military and our Vets, a strong national defense, and all of the forgotten men and women of America. Marco worked with me to reform the VA and help our small businesses grow, and with his help, we achieved the lowest ever unemployment for women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and almost all Americans. Together, we worked closely with the Cuban and Venezuelan communities, and have made great progress. He also ruled that “President Trump was in no way involved with Russia,” as he presided over the Senate Intelligence Committee on the FAKE Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax. Marco will never let the great people of Florida, or our Country, down!"-stated President Donald J. Trump
"I am grateful for President Trump's endorsement and his leadership on the major issues facing our nation, including the threat from China and the need to bring good jobs back to America,” Rubio said. “Democrats are trying to undo everything we accomplished over the past four years, but I will continue to fight for the forgotten men and women of this country and deliver results for hard working Florida families."
Democrats who could challenge Rubio in the general election are Reps. Val Demings and Stephanie Murphy. Both have signaled that they are interested in running for statewide office. With redistricting just around the corner, both Demings and Murphy could get drawn out of their respective congressional seats.
