House Speaker-designate Danny Perez praises selection of Rubio for Secretary of State

MIAMI - Republican House Speaker-designate Daniel "Danny" Perez, R-Miami, praised Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio on Wednesday after he was selected to be the next United States Secretary of State.

"@MarcoRubio has lived the American Dream. He loves our country and will be a passionate advocate on the world stage for President Trump’s vision," Perez said. "This is a proud day for the people of Miami and for all Floridians. Thank you President @realDonaldTrump for your amazing leadership."

If approved, Rubio will become the first Hispanic to lead the U.S. Department of State. His selection comes after President-elect Donald Trump's election day victory last Tuesday.

Along with Perez, Rubio was also congratulated by Miami Mayor Francis Saurez on his appointment on Tuesday.

"Leading the U.S. Department of State is a tremendous responsibility and I am honored by the trust President Trump has placed in me. As Secretary of State, I will work every day to carry out his foreign policy agenda," Rubio said.

A Cuban American, Marco Rubio was born in Miami and graduated from South Miami High School in 1989. Before getting into politics, he attended the University of Florida and the University of Miami School of Law.

At the local level, Rubio was elected city commissioner of West Miami in 1998. He later served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2000-2008, including as House Speaker from 2006-2008.

The 53-year-old has been Florida's senior United States Senator since 2011. In his most recent campaign, Rubio defeated Democratic Senate candidate Val Demings by 16 points in 2022.

Rubio also made an unsuccessful run for president in 2016 against Trump, who eventually became the Republican nominee. The pair infamously spared for the nomination, with Rubio calling Trump a "con artist" and making fun of the size of his hands.

Trump also branded Rubio as "Little Marco" during the campaign, a nickname that stuck with him long after dropping out of the race.

Since then, Rubio has become one of Trump's biggest allies and policy advocates. Trump also has softened his tone on Rubio over the years, including supporting his Senate run in 2022.

"Marco is a Highly Respected Leader, and a very powerful Voice for Freedom," Trump said on Truth Social. "He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries."

Known as a "hawk" on foreign policy, Rubio has taken hardline views against China while showing support for Israel in its war against Hamas. He also voted against a supplemental aid package for Ukraine in April.

"Under the leadership of President Trump we will deliver peace through strength and always put the interests of Americans and America above all else," Rubio added. "I look forward to earning the support of my colleagues in the U.S. Senate so the President has his national security and foreign policy team in place when he takes office on January 20."