Scott Endorses Lara Trump for Rubio's Senate Seat

Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) has endorsed RNC Co-Chair Lara Trump for Marco Rubio’s likely soon-to-be-open senate seat as he has been tapped for President-elect Donald Trump's (R) Secretary of State. It is up to Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) to fill the position.

The Florida governor could appoint himself or somebody in his inner circle who aligns more closely with his political coalition, but choosing somebody endearing to the MAGA base could serve him better for his own aspirations in the long run.

Sen. Scott said Washington needs legislators who “actually represent” Florida Republicans to “fulfill the mandate” the GOP believes they’ve obtained this election cycle.

“We need more Republicans in Washington who actually represent the Republican Party back home and will be steadfast in their commitment to fulfill the mandate from this election - to Make America Great Again. [Lara Trump] is that person,” said Sen. Scott.

Moreover, Lara Trump shared that she would “strongly consider” an appointment to the Senate if appointed.

"If I am tapped to serve in another capacity, it truly would be my honor," Lara Trump told Fox News. "I have not been asked yet, but I certainly would strongly consider it if it is presented to me."

Many names other than Lara Trump have been floated around, including Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL), DeSantis Chief-of-Staff James Uthmeier, and First Lady Casey DeSantis.

However, as The Floridian publisher Javier Manjarres concluded, the rational decision for Ron DeSantis is to appoint himself. It would ensure that his political career maintains relevancy, but also a steady cash flow of campaign finances that would be helpful in the future. It also puts him more directly in the limelight to win over or regain the trust of some MAGA folk that he turned off this past election cycle. Senate committee hearings reach a larger audience than governor press conferences.

In a social media post on Monday, the leader of the Sunshine State did not disregard that possibility but shared that he and his staff are undergoing the "preliminary vetting" process and should expect to have an answer by early January.

"Senator Marco Rubio is expected to resign from the Senate to assume duties as Secretary of State when the Trump administration takes power on January 20th, creating a vacancy roughly two months from today," began Gov. DeSantis.

He continued, saying he and his staff are still collecting names of possible candidates.

"We have already received strong interest from several possible candidates, and we continue to gather names of additional candidates and conduct preliminary vetting. More extensive vetting and candidate interviews will be conducted over the next few weeks, with a selection likely made by the beginning of January."

Finally, DeSantis shared that Rubio's replacement should reflect the Trump's agenda during the first half of his final term in office.

"Florida deserves a Senator who will help President Trump deliver on his election mandate, be strong on immigration and border security, take on the entrenched bureaucracy and administrative state, reverse the nation’s fiscal decline, be animated by conservative principles, and has a proven record of results," concluded DeSantis.

Should Gov. DeSantis appoint himself, Lt. Governor Jeanette Núñez would take his place for the remainder of his term through 2026.