Trump's Selections Reshuffle Florida's Political Landscape
President-elect Donald Trump is set to nominate Sen. Marco Rubio for the position of secretary of state and Rep. Mike Waltz as national security adviser.
TroibNews 
**MIAMI** — President-elect Donald Trump is not only shaking up Washington but also causing significant changes in his adopted home state of Florida, fundamentally altering the dynamics of the 2026 midterms in the third-largest state in the nation.
Trump intends to nominate Sen. Marco Rubio for the position of Secretary of State and has chosen Rep. Michael Waltz to serve as his national security adviser. The responsibility to fill these vacancies will rest with Gov. Ron DeSantis, Trump’s former GOP primary opponent, whose political future has appeared uncertain since his presidential campaign concluded.
The upcoming Senate vacancy presents DeSantis with a crucial chance to influence his legacy and potentially define his political trajectory, especially since he will be term-limited by early 2027. DeSantis has the authority to appoint an individual who could serve until at least 2026, when a special election will be held to complete the final two years of Rubio’s term. Subsequently, Florida will conduct a regular election in 2028 for a complete term.
"Everyone who wrote Gov. Ron DeSantis' obituary following the presidential election is an idiot,” said Anthony Pedicini, a veteran Republican campaign consultant from Florida. “The governor everyone said was a lame duck is getting more powerful by the minute."
Sources close to DeSantis indicated that he is likely considering candidates such as Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, former Florida House Speaker Jose Oliva, or chief of staff James Uthmeier for the Senate seat. After Rubio's anticipated ascension, one of these insiders noted that the governor's options remain unchanged. A seasoned GOP operative, who also requested anonymity, expressed surprise if Uthmeier—currently accompanying DeSantis on a trade mission in Italy—wasn't appointed.
DeSantis has ruled out appointing himself or Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis to the position, as was speculated during Rubio's consideration for the vice presidency. Meanwhile, Ivanka Trump has shown no intent to return to politics as her father re-emerges on the political scene, with Jared Kushner stating to The New York Times that their political chapter is closed.
For the House vacancy, DeSantis will need to establish a date for a special election, a process that could take several months due to various requirements and deadlines.
Even with prompt action on scheduling this election, the absence of Waltz—alongside Rep. Elise Stefanik, whom Trump has nominated for UN ambassador—could complicate legislative operations in Washington. As the House remains uncalled, and while Republicans are favored to maintain control, a slim majority is anticipated. The recent couple of years have demonstrated the challenges of effective governance in such a context. House Speaker Mike Johnson commented on Tuesday that he does not foresee further House nominations from Trump in the near term.
Some of DeSantis' potential Senate candidates have closer ties to Trump than others. Uthmeier once served in Rubio’s office and in the Trump administration's Commerce Department. He also worked with Jones Day, a significant Republican-affiliated law firm that supported Trump's presidential campaigns. Earlier this year, Uthmeier managed DeSantis' unsuccessful presidential bid before returning to his role as chief of staff and coordinating the governor’s political arm to oppose state-level amendments concerning abortion rights and recreational marijuana.
An appointment of Nuñez, a long-time ally of Rubio, would mark a historic moment. If chosen, she would become the first Cuban American woman in the Senate, with either Nuñez or Moody being the second woman senator to represent Florida.
It is possible that Trump will continue to select leaders from Florida to fill positions in his administration, particularly with incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles, who has deep ties to the state. The unfolding of these House and Senate vacancies is already reshaping Florida’s political landscape, with both Waltz and Rubio seen as potential contenders for the 2026 gubernatorial race.
Their exits could open the door to a broad and competitive primary. Endorsements from Trump in that race would likely provide significant advantages, similar to what DeSantis experienced in 2018.
DeSantis noted last week that he does not seek a role in the Trump administration, stating to Notre Dame students, “me quarterbacking the Sunshine State is probably how I make the biggest difference.”
Regarding the Senate race, a Miami-Dade GOP consultant, who asked for anonymity to discuss potential candidates, speculated that DeSantis would prefer someone who can run for the Senate seat in 2026, reflecting his previous selections as governor.
“Whoever gets appointed to that job will be expected to run, raise money, and hold that seat,” the consultant remarked. Waltz's appointment does not require Senate confirmation. Trump has yet to officially announce Rubio's nomination, and that prospect has generated some dissent from MAGA supporters online.
If Trump proceeds with the formal nomination, Senate approval will be necessary—though bipartisan support is anticipated. Senators generally refrain from voting against their colleagues nominated for Cabinet roles, and Rubio maintains healthy relations with several senators across party lines.
On Tuesday, Sen. John Fetterman described Rubio as a “strong choice” and expressed his intent to support his confirmation in a post on X.
Rubio, who was once a contender for Trump’s running mate, significantly influenced Trump's policy on Latin America during his initial term and is co-chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Since vying against Trump in 2016, their relationship has evolved positively. Waltz, a veteran Green Beret, was a crucial surrogate for Trump during the 2024 campaign, frequently appearing on Fox News and with Trump on the campaign trail.
"If there was any doubt that Florida is not the Republican epicenter of American politics this is proof that it is now,” remarked Pedicini, the campaign consultant.
DeSantis’ nominee for the Senate could also impact the race for Florida's state attorney general, especially if Moody is appointed. Outgoing Florida House Speaker Paul Renner has been mentioned as a possible candidate for attorney general, although he resides in the same district as Waltz's soon-to-be vacant seat.
Moody and Nuñez have considered running for governor, but their decisions may hinge on the outcome of the Senate appointment. Moody has engaged in several lawsuits against the Biden administration and is currently overseeing a state investigation into the second assassination attempt against Trump.
Kimberly Leonard reported from Miami, and Gary Fineout reported from Tallahassee, Florida.
James del Carmen contributed to this report for TROIB News
Trump intends to nominate Sen. Marco Rubio for the position of Secretary of State and has chosen Rep. Michael Waltz to serve as his national security adviser. The responsibility to fill these vacancies will rest with Gov. Ron DeSantis, Trump’s former GOP primary opponent, whose political future has appeared uncertain since his presidential campaign concluded.
The upcoming Senate vacancy presents DeSantis with a crucial chance to influence his legacy and potentially define his political trajectory, especially since he will be term-limited by early 2027. DeSantis has the authority to appoint an individual who could serve until at least 2026, when a special election will be held to complete the final two years of Rubio’s term. Subsequently, Florida will conduct a regular election in 2028 for a complete term.
"Everyone who wrote Gov. Ron DeSantis' obituary following the presidential election is an idiot,” said Anthony Pedicini, a veteran Republican campaign consultant from Florida. “The governor everyone said was a lame duck is getting more powerful by the minute."
Sources close to DeSantis indicated that he is likely considering candidates such as Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, former Florida House Speaker Jose Oliva, or chief of staff James Uthmeier for the Senate seat. After Rubio's anticipated ascension, one of these insiders noted that the governor's options remain unchanged. A seasoned GOP operative, who also requested anonymity, expressed surprise if Uthmeier—currently accompanying DeSantis on a trade mission in Italy—wasn't appointed.
DeSantis has ruled out appointing himself or Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis to the position, as was speculated during Rubio's consideration for the vice presidency. Meanwhile, Ivanka Trump has shown no intent to return to politics as her father re-emerges on the political scene, with Jared Kushner stating to The New York Times that their political chapter is closed.
For the House vacancy, DeSantis will need to establish a date for a special election, a process that could take several months due to various requirements and deadlines.
Even with prompt action on scheduling this election, the absence of Waltz—alongside Rep. Elise Stefanik, whom Trump has nominated for UN ambassador—could complicate legislative operations in Washington. As the House remains uncalled, and while Republicans are favored to maintain control, a slim majority is anticipated. The recent couple of years have demonstrated the challenges of effective governance in such a context. House Speaker Mike Johnson commented on Tuesday that he does not foresee further House nominations from Trump in the near term.
Some of DeSantis' potential Senate candidates have closer ties to Trump than others. Uthmeier once served in Rubio’s office and in the Trump administration's Commerce Department. He also worked with Jones Day, a significant Republican-affiliated law firm that supported Trump's presidential campaigns. Earlier this year, Uthmeier managed DeSantis' unsuccessful presidential bid before returning to his role as chief of staff and coordinating the governor’s political arm to oppose state-level amendments concerning abortion rights and recreational marijuana.
An appointment of Nuñez, a long-time ally of Rubio, would mark a historic moment. If chosen, she would become the first Cuban American woman in the Senate, with either Nuñez or Moody being the second woman senator to represent Florida.
It is possible that Trump will continue to select leaders from Florida to fill positions in his administration, particularly with incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles, who has deep ties to the state. The unfolding of these House and Senate vacancies is already reshaping Florida’s political landscape, with both Waltz and Rubio seen as potential contenders for the 2026 gubernatorial race.
Their exits could open the door to a broad and competitive primary. Endorsements from Trump in that race would likely provide significant advantages, similar to what DeSantis experienced in 2018.
DeSantis noted last week that he does not seek a role in the Trump administration, stating to Notre Dame students, “me quarterbacking the Sunshine State is probably how I make the biggest difference.”
Regarding the Senate race, a Miami-Dade GOP consultant, who asked for anonymity to discuss potential candidates, speculated that DeSantis would prefer someone who can run for the Senate seat in 2026, reflecting his previous selections as governor.
“Whoever gets appointed to that job will be expected to run, raise money, and hold that seat,” the consultant remarked. Waltz's appointment does not require Senate confirmation. Trump has yet to officially announce Rubio's nomination, and that prospect has generated some dissent from MAGA supporters online.
If Trump proceeds with the formal nomination, Senate approval will be necessary—though bipartisan support is anticipated. Senators generally refrain from voting against their colleagues nominated for Cabinet roles, and Rubio maintains healthy relations with several senators across party lines.
On Tuesday, Sen. John Fetterman described Rubio as a “strong choice” and expressed his intent to support his confirmation in a post on X.
Rubio, who was once a contender for Trump’s running mate, significantly influenced Trump's policy on Latin America during his initial term and is co-chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Since vying against Trump in 2016, their relationship has evolved positively. Waltz, a veteran Green Beret, was a crucial surrogate for Trump during the 2024 campaign, frequently appearing on Fox News and with Trump on the campaign trail.
"If there was any doubt that Florida is not the Republican epicenter of American politics this is proof that it is now,” remarked Pedicini, the campaign consultant.
DeSantis’ nominee for the Senate could also impact the race for Florida's state attorney general, especially if Moody is appointed. Outgoing Florida House Speaker Paul Renner has been mentioned as a possible candidate for attorney general, although he resides in the same district as Waltz's soon-to-be vacant seat.
Moody and Nuñez have considered running for governor, but their decisions may hinge on the outcome of the Senate appointment. Moody has engaged in several lawsuits against the Biden administration and is currently overseeing a state investigation into the second assassination attempt against Trump.
Kimberly Leonard reported from Miami, and Gary Fineout reported from Tallahassee, Florida.
James del Carmen contributed to this report for TROIB News
