Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will decide who will replace the US Senate if Marco Rubio joins the presidential cabinet

MIAMI – If President-elect Donald Trump elects Florida Sen. Marco Rubio as senator Foreign MinisterGov. Ron DeSantis would be given the power to appoint Rubio’s temporary replacement in the Senate.

Rubio, who was re-elected to his six-year term in 2022, would vacate a seat that doesn’t expire until 2028.

The appointed successor would serve until a special election in 2026 to complete the final two years of Rubio’s term – meaning the appointed candidate would have to win again in 2028 to secure a full term.

CBS News Miami’s Jim DeFede, citing conversations with multiple Republican sources, reports that several scenarios for DeSantis’ next move are being discussed:

1. Appointment of Chief of Staff James Uthmeier: Uthmeier, who serves as DeSantis’ chief of staff and was campaign manager for his presidential campaign, could serve as Senate caretaker until 2026. The move would give DeSantis the option to run for the Senate seat himself in the 2026 special election, coinciding with the end of his gubernatorial term.

2. Appointment of Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez: Nunez, a Cuban-American from Miami, has been a loyal ally of DeSantis. Her appointment could provide continuity in the Cuban-American representation and replace Rubio, who has the same background.

3. DeSantis takes Senate seat: DeSantis could work with Nunez to step down as governor, which would allow her to ascend to governor and appoint him directly to the Senate seat without having to wait until 2026.

Other potential candidates for DeSantis’ appointment include Attorney General Ashley Moody and former Florida House Speaker Jose Oliva, who is also of Cuban descent from Miami.

There is also speculation that DeSantis could appoint his wife, Casey DeSantis, to the seat. Casey DeSantis has long been involved in state government and is well-liked across the state.

Given the involvement of several Republican leaders, DeSantis’ decision could change Florida’s political landscape, especially if he views the Senate seat itself as part of a longer-term strategy.