Who Will DeSantis Appoint To Fill Rubio’s Senate Seat?

November 12, 2024 Republicans, Trump cultists

CBS News Miami’s Jim DeFede, citing conversations with multiple Republican sources, reports that several scenarios are being discussed for how DeSantis may proceed. James Uthmeier, who serves as DeSantis’s chief of staff, could act as a caretaker in the Senate role until 2026. This move would give DeSantis the option to run for the Senate seat himself in the 2026 special election, aligning with the end of his gubernatorial term.

Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez has been a loyal ally to DeSantis. Her appointment could provide continuity for Cuban-American representation, replacing Rubio, who shares the same background. DeSantis could work with Nunez to resign as governor, allowing her to ascend to the governorship and appoint him directly to the Senate seat, bypassing the need to wait until 2026. There’s also speculation that DeSantis could appoint his wife, Casey DeSantis to the seat.

Read the full article. Other potential appointees include Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, Florida House Speaker Jose Oliva, and US Rep. Byron Donalds.

If President-elect Donald Trump selects Florida Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, Governor Ron DeSantis would gain the power to appoint Rubio’s temporary Senate replacement.https://t.co/rfwyX9FggT

— CBS News Miami (@CBSMiami) November 12, 2024