Trump Florida picks/ Rubio Secretary of State/ Gaetz Attorney General/ DeSantis Senate speculation/ Florida political vacancies/ Newslooks/ TALLAHASSEE/ Fla./ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks, including Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Matt Gaetz as Attorney General, are triggering political ripple effects in Florida. These appointments open congressional and Senate vacancies, with Governor Ron DeSantis playing a pivotal role in shaping the Sunshine State’s political future. Speculation surrounds potential replacements, including DeSantis himself.
Trump’s Florida Picks Create Political Shake-Up: Quick Looks
- Cabinet Appointments: Marco Rubio tapped for Secretary of State, Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, and Mike Waltz for National Security Adviser.
- Senate Vacancy: DeSantis to appoint Rubio’s replacement if confirmed, fueling speculation about his own ambitions.
- Special Elections: Florida will hold elections to replace House seats left by Gaetz and Waltz.
- Potential Nominees: First Lady Casey DeSantis, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, and Lara Trump are floated as possibilities for Rubio’s Senate seat.
- Timeline: Special elections could take months, complicating Republican House control.
Trump’s Florida Picks Shake Up State Politics: Rubio, Gaetz & Waltz Tapped
Deep Look
President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Florida politicians for key Cabinet positions is not only bringing the Sunshine State into the national spotlight but also setting off a cascade of political possibilities. With appointments including Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, Matt Gaetz as Attorney General, and Mike Waltz as National Security Adviser, Florida’s political landscape is undergoing a significant shake-up.
Cabinet Picks and Openings in Florida
Trump’s reliance on Floridians for top roles has opened key vacancies:
- Marco Rubio’s Senate Seat: If confirmed, Rubio will vacate his Senate seat, requiring Governor Ron DeSantis to appoint a replacement until the 2026 election.
- Matt Gaetz’s House Seat: Gaetz’s resignation from Florida’s 1st Congressional District creates a vacancy to be filled by special election.
- Mike Waltz’s House Seat: Waltz has yet to resign, but his expected departure from Florida’s 6th District would trigger another special election.
DeSantis holds the reins in deciding Rubio’s Senate replacement, a role that could shape his own political future.
Speculation Around DeSantis and Senate Nominees
With DeSantis’ gubernatorial term ending in 2026, political insiders are speculating whether he might appoint himself to Rubio’s Senate seat. While legal experts say there’s no rule preventing such a move, some suggest it might not align with his long-term ambitions, including a potential 2028 presidential run.
Other potential candidates include:
- Casey DeSantis: The first lady’s political aspirations have long been a topic of discussion.
- Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez: As lieutenant governor, Nuñez would ascend to governor if DeSantis appointed himself.
- Ashley Moody: Florida’s attorney general is another possible contender.
- Lara Trump: Trump’s daughter-in-law, who resides in Palm Beach County, has emerged as a potential pick within Trump’s circle.
Speaking at Notre Dame before Rubio’s nomination, DeSantis dismissed the idea of joining Trump’s administration, saying,
“I’m not seeking anything … Quarterbacking the Sunshine State is probably how I make the biggest difference.”
Special Elections: Timing and Challenges
Special elections to fill Gaetz and Waltz’s House seats will be required under federal and state laws. While DeSantis has urged swift action, logistical challenges and legal requirements, such as notifying overseas voters and certifying primary results, mean these elections could take months.
Michael Morley, an election law professor at Florida State University, noted:
“There’s no practical way of having a replacement House member in less than half a year.”
Florida’s most recent special election to fill a House vacancy took 10 weeks between the primary and general elections alone.
Gaetz’s Controversial Nomination
Gaetz’s nomination for Attorney General has stirred significant controversy. While his House resignation ends a congressional ethics investigation into alleged sexual misconduct and drug use, these allegations could resurface during Senate confirmation hearings. Gaetz has consistently denied all accusations.
Ripple Effects on Florida’s Future
Florida’s political dynamics are poised for a shake-up in 2026 and beyond:
- Senate Race 2026: Rubio’s replacement will hold the seat until the next scheduled election, setting up a high-stakes Senate race.
- Gubernatorial Race: DeSantis’ departure in 2026 opens the governor’s office, with names like Nuñez and Moody emerging as potential contenders.
The changes in Florida’s political leadership, combined with Trump’s close ties to the state, highlight its growing influence in shaping national politics.
