Ron DeSantis Faces Decision on Rubio's Successor: Potential Picks Emerge
This selection represents the most significant choice DeSantis will undertake and has the potential to create a ripple effect throughout Florida.
TroibNews 
Time is running short for Gov. Ron DeSantis as he faces his first major decision of 2025 — selecting a replacement for Marco Rubio in the Senate.
When asked on Tuesday if he had made a decision, the governor responded that he still had not settled on whom to appoint to the position.
However, indications suggest he may favor Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, particularly with Rubio expected to join the State Department under President-elect Donald Trump. Ten individuals familiar with the selection process, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, informed Playbook that Moody is seen as the frontrunner for the Senate seat.
Moody has been a strong supporter of DeSantis and has also vocally backed Trump, especially on legal issues. Notably, she recently brought state charges against Ryan Routh, the individual accused of attempting to assassinate Trump at his Florida golf course.
During a press interaction on Tuesday, the governor did not reveal his thoughts regarding the upcoming vacancy and avoided a direct inquiry about Moody. Nonetheless, DeSantis mentioned that extensive “research” had been conducted on potential candidates, emphasizing the need for someone who would help advance Trump’s agenda while being assertive on illegal immigration and curbing federal spending. He stated, “We want someone who is really able to deliver.”
Despite not making a formal announcement, the governor seemed to be hinting at Moody's potential role during a local swearing-in ceremony in Tampa on Tuesday, where she appeared alongside Trump ally and attorney general nominee Pam Bondi.
Trump has maintained a relatively low profile regarding the selection of his home state's next senator. He previously endorsed his daughter-in-law and former Republican National Committee co-chair, Lara Trump, for the position, but she withdrew from consideration during the holidays. Even prior to that, Trump had downplayed the likelihood of her appointment, indicating, “Ron is doing a good job. It is his choice, nothing to do with me.” Additionally, Trump was not questioned about the Senate vacancy during a Tuesday press conference at Mar-a-Lago.
If the two men wish to discuss the matter further, they will have an opportunity soon. DeSantis is among a number of governors invited to a dinner at Mar-a-Lago with Trump on Thursday night, as reported by PMG’s newest colleagues, Dasha Burns and Gary Fineout.
The timeline for DeSantis’ potential announcement remains uncertain. Rubio's confirmation hearings with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee have been scheduled for Jan. 15, but he has not yet disclosed when he will resign from his Senate seat. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has stated to PMG’s Congress team that Rubio is a priority for confirmation on “Day One.” On Tuesday, DeSantis suggested the announcement regarding the appointment would come “pretty soon,” likely coinciding with Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20.
Another element to consider is DeSantis’ own political trajectory. Confirmation hearings for Pete Hegseth, Trump's nominee for defense secretary, are set to begin on Jan. 14. Hegseth is now seen as having a much stronger chance than he did a month ago, but DeSantis is viewed as a backup option for the position. Should DeSantis be selected, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez would ascend to the governorship, and she would then be tasked with appointing Rubio's successor.
Furthermore, if Moody were to be appointed as senator, it would trigger shifts within the state government. PMG previously reported that chief of staff James Uthmeier is a leading candidate to take over as attorney general. DeSantis also appears to be leaning toward state Sen. Blaise Ingoglia for the role of chief financial officer, a position being vacated by current CFO Jimmy Patronis as he runs for Congress. Collectively, these appointments could significantly impact DeSantis’ legacy and demonstrate his influence in shaping the future of Florida.
This article first appeared in the Florida Playbook newsletter. If you’d like to receive this newsletter every weekday, sign up now for the latest news from the Sunshine State.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
When asked on Tuesday if he had made a decision, the governor responded that he still had not settled on whom to appoint to the position.
However, indications suggest he may favor Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, particularly with Rubio expected to join the State Department under President-elect Donald Trump. Ten individuals familiar with the selection process, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, informed Playbook that Moody is seen as the frontrunner for the Senate seat.
Moody has been a strong supporter of DeSantis and has also vocally backed Trump, especially on legal issues. Notably, she recently brought state charges against Ryan Routh, the individual accused of attempting to assassinate Trump at his Florida golf course.
During a press interaction on Tuesday, the governor did not reveal his thoughts regarding the upcoming vacancy and avoided a direct inquiry about Moody. Nonetheless, DeSantis mentioned that extensive “research” had been conducted on potential candidates, emphasizing the need for someone who would help advance Trump’s agenda while being assertive on illegal immigration and curbing federal spending. He stated, “We want someone who is really able to deliver.”
Despite not making a formal announcement, the governor seemed to be hinting at Moody's potential role during a local swearing-in ceremony in Tampa on Tuesday, where she appeared alongside Trump ally and attorney general nominee Pam Bondi.
Trump has maintained a relatively low profile regarding the selection of his home state's next senator. He previously endorsed his daughter-in-law and former Republican National Committee co-chair, Lara Trump, for the position, but she withdrew from consideration during the holidays. Even prior to that, Trump had downplayed the likelihood of her appointment, indicating, “Ron is doing a good job. It is his choice, nothing to do with me.” Additionally, Trump was not questioned about the Senate vacancy during a Tuesday press conference at Mar-a-Lago.
If the two men wish to discuss the matter further, they will have an opportunity soon. DeSantis is among a number of governors invited to a dinner at Mar-a-Lago with Trump on Thursday night, as reported by PMG’s newest colleagues, Dasha Burns and Gary Fineout.
The timeline for DeSantis’ potential announcement remains uncertain. Rubio's confirmation hearings with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee have been scheduled for Jan. 15, but he has not yet disclosed when he will resign from his Senate seat. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has stated to PMG’s Congress team that Rubio is a priority for confirmation on “Day One.” On Tuesday, DeSantis suggested the announcement regarding the appointment would come “pretty soon,” likely coinciding with Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20.
Another element to consider is DeSantis’ own political trajectory. Confirmation hearings for Pete Hegseth, Trump's nominee for defense secretary, are set to begin on Jan. 14. Hegseth is now seen as having a much stronger chance than he did a month ago, but DeSantis is viewed as a backup option for the position. Should DeSantis be selected, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez would ascend to the governorship, and she would then be tasked with appointing Rubio's successor.
Furthermore, if Moody were to be appointed as senator, it would trigger shifts within the state government. PMG previously reported that chief of staff James Uthmeier is a leading candidate to take over as attorney general. DeSantis also appears to be leaning toward state Sen. Blaise Ingoglia for the role of chief financial officer, a position being vacated by current CFO Jimmy Patronis as he runs for Congress. Collectively, these appointments could significantly impact DeSantis’ legacy and demonstrate his influence in shaping the future of Florida.
This article first appeared in the Florida Playbook newsletter. If you’d like to receive this newsletter every weekday, sign up now for the latest news from the Sunshine State.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
