TALLAHASSEE, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis may soon need to fill a significant vacancy in the U.S. Senate created by Marco Rubio.

Reports suggest that Rubio could be chosen by President-elect Donald Trump to become the next Secretary of State. While this decision isn’t yet confirmed, if Rubio is selected and approved by his Senate colleagues, DeSantis would have the authority to appoint a replacement for him.

This situation presents DeSantis, who previously challenged Trump for the Republican nomination in 2024 and did not succeed, with an important choice that could influence his potential bid for the presidency in 2028.

The person he selects would serve until 2026, when a special election is slated to be held to complete the last two years of Rubio’s term. DeSantis, a former U.S. House member, might choose someone to run in the 2026 election or appoint a temporary placeholder while he considers a return to Congress as he aims for a possible 2028 presidential run.

Some initial candidates for the role include Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, and DeSantis’ chief of staff, James Uthmeier.

Nuñez hails from Miami and shares Cuban-American roots with Rubio.

Moody is known for her loyalty to DeSantis, while Uthmeier recently played a crucial role in blocking two ballot measures opposed by DeSantis that aimed to legalize recreational marijuana and establish abortion rights in the state constitution.

Neither Trump’s transition team nor Rubio’s office have commented on the potential appointment.

Could DeSantis Appoint Himself as the Next U.S. Senator?

There’s also the possibility that DeSantis could appoint himself or even his wife, Casey. However, DeSantis has frequently joked about needing a break from his time in Congress and expressed a preference for being a state executive where he feels he can achieve more.

Moreover, pressure could come from Trump and his supporters to select a preferred candidate. One potential name being discussed is Lara Trump, who resides in Florida and co-chairs the Republican National Committee.

U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-St. Petersburg, tweeted that Lara Trump “should be the appointed replacement by (DeSantis) for Rubio,” adding, “She will maintain the seat and prevent a chaotic primary in Florida. She’s articulate and has done a great job on election integrity.”

It’s worth noting that DeSantis has previously shown interest in Rubio’s Senate seat.

In 2016, prior to his governor campaign, he initially sought the seat that Rubio said he would vacate while campaigning for the presidency that year. Rubio originally stated he wouldn’t seek reelection if he lost the GOP nomination but later reversed his decision.

This change of plan prompted DeSantis to run for reelection to the U.S. House instead.

The last time a sitting Florida governor appointed someone to the U.S. Senate was in 2009, when then-Gov. Charlie Crist selected his chief of staff, George LeMieux, to fill the vacancy left by U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez’s resignation.

Crist later ran for the same seat in 2010, but as Rubio gained traction within the GOP, Crist switched party affiliation and ran as an independent, ultimately losing to Rubio.

Currently, DeSantis is on a trade mission in Italy and will return to Florida by Friday. Upon his return, he might face the prospect of needing to fill an open Senate position.

Additionally, he may have to call a special election to fill U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz’s seat, whom Trump has approached for the role of National Security Advisor.