The nomination of Senator Marco Rubio to the role of Secretary of State has set off a political guessing game over who will fill his Senate seat. While Governor Ron DeSantis has yet to make an official announcement, one name has emerged as the clear front-runner: Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump.
The idea of Lara Trump stepping into Rubio’s vacated seat has quickly gained traction among Republican voters, with a recent J.L. Partners poll for DailyMail.com showing overwhelming support within the party. According to the poll, 59% of Republicans back the idea, with 36% strongly supporting her appointment. By contrast, only 10% of Republicans oppose her potential elevation to the Senate.
Lara Trump, who is married to Donald Trump’s son Eric, has garnered significant attention for her leadership role during the election cycle, where she helmed the Republican National Committee.
James Johnson, cofounder of J.L. Partners, noted that the poll results strongly suggest that Republican voters are aligned with the idea of Lara Trump replacing Rubio. “Republican voters are with the Trumps, and they believe Lara Trump should be the Senate replacement in Florida,” Johnson remarked. “Looking at these data, there is little to no chance of a backlash amongst the voters.”
The decision ultimately rests with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has indicated that he will take his time before making a selection. His office has made it clear that the process will be deliberative, and DeSantis has not yet publicly committed to any one candidate. He has also stated that he will make his decision by the start of January.
The Daily Mail reports:
A potential complication emerged this week with reports that Trump was considering DeSantis for the role of defense secretary after his pick, former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, looked to be heading for a difficult confirmation amid reports of heavy drinking and misconduct (allegations that he denies).
With DeSantis’ options still in play, Lara Trump stands out as the most high-profile and nationally recognized candidate for the Senate appointment. Her ties to the Trump family, her visibility in Republican circles, and her strong base of support make her an appealing choice for both the governor and Trump allies.
The decision on who fills Marco Rubio’s vacated Senate seat will carry significant weight for Governor DeSantis. The selection will not only shape the future of Florida’s political landscape but will also impact his relationship with the Trump family and the broader Republican base.
The Daily Mail continues:
One theory was that he might engineer his own path to the Senate, by appointing himself or stepping aside as governor (he is term limited and unable to run again) and ensuring that his replacement send him to Washington.
Or he could appoint a placeholder to fill out the end of Rubio’s term before running himself when it is up for reelection in 2026, positioning him for a tilt at the presidency two years later
