Rubio: Trump Victory Was a National 'Realization'

Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) appeared on CNN this morning to discuss the ramifications of President-elect Donald Trump's (R) decisive victory in the Electoral College. The former Commander-in-Chief will likely win the popular vote total as well. Pundits across the aisle on networks representing both sides of the political spectrum predicted a nail-biter race that could've lasted days. However, it was over around 2 a.m. ET.

The Florida senator spoke emphatically on what this means for the country moving forward.

"Donald Trump appealed to Americans as Americans, irrespective of your background or your customs or what music you listen to or how your last name is pronounced. This is more than just a realignment. I hope it's a realization that when you come to this country and you put your roots down here, and you raise your children here, you become an American," said Sen. Rubio.

He continued by saying President-elect Trump reached a majority of the American people with his messaging because his policies speak to the average American.

"Everything from our economy to our safety, to our national security matter as much to you as they do to anybody else in this country," said Sen. Rubio.

As for the Senate, Republicans officially obtained the majority as incumbent Deb Fischer (R-NE) won her race against challenger Dan Osborn (I). The GOP currently hold 52 seats, and that number is expected to rise.

Senate races in the states of Arizona, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan have yet to be called, and they all represent pick up opportunities for Republicans. The best possible outcome for the GOP is a 57-43 majority. At worst, they will have a 52-48 split.

These results are incredibly important for legislators such as Senator Rick Scott (R-FL), who plans to run for Senate Majority Leader. He won his own race against former Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL) last night, handily.

Republicans won control of the Senate in the 2014 election but relinquished it in the 2020 election cycle. In 2022, the attempt at a "Red Wave" by the GOP tightened the balance of power in the Senate 51-49 in favor of the Democrats but did not deliver a seismic shift. Republicans obtained a razor-thin majority in the House of Representatives in 2022.