Who Could Replace Marco Rubio as Florida Senator? 7 Potential Contenders

By Free Republic | Created at 2024-11-17 16:35:22 | Updated at 2024-11-18 04:43:52 12 hours ago

Who Could Replace Marco Rubio as Florida Senator? 7 Potential Contenders
Newsweek ^ | Nov 12, 2024

Posted on 11/17/2024 8:24:57 AM PST by CondoleezzaProtege

In Florida, the governor appoints an interim replacement for vacant U.S. Senate seats, giving Ron DeSantis the authority to choose Rubio's successor...

Here are seven potential replacements:

Jeanette Nuñez- Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez has a strong background in health care administration and a track record in the Florida House. She is a strong ally of DeSantis, and, like Rubio, is Cuban American.

Byron Donalds- U.S. Representative Byron Donalds from Florida's 19th District has gained national attention as a conservative voice and strong Trump ally. During the campaign, Donalds appeared on many news shows acting as a surrogate for Trump.

Matt Gaetz- U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz is a high-profile Trump supporter from Florida's 1st District with a strong following among conservative voters. Known for his vocal defense of MAGA conservative policies, Gaetz arguably has the largest national profile of any of the candidates.

Ashley Moody- As Florida's attorney general, Ashley Moody has led on issues like immigration enforcement and public safety. Her legal expertise and close work with DeSantis on key initiatives make her a logical choice to step into the role.

Wilton Simpson- Florida's commissioner of agriculture and former state Senate president, Wilton Simpson has served in Florida's state government since 2012. He has been the state's commissioner of agriculture since 2023.

James Uthmeier- James Uthmeier, chief of staff to DeSantis, has played a central role in executing the governor's agenda. Although he has stayed behind the scenes, Uthmeier's policy expertise and close relationship with DeSantis could make him an effective, though less traditional, choice for the Senate.

José Oliva- Former speaker of the Florida House, José Oliva is a respected figure in Florida politics with a conservative track record on business and government reform. His leadership experience and statewide connections make him a serious contender to replace Rubio.

(Excerpt) Read more at newsweek.com ...

TOPICS: Society
KEYWORDS: byrondonalds; desantis

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"if the nomination of Rubio proceeds..."

* Lara Trump is actually the most high profile name being touted. And she says she would likely accept the honor.

I hope Desantis appoints Bryan Donalds. As great a job as Lara Trump did chairing the RNC, Donalds has been one of the most effective MAGA surrogates this campaign season and has a strong track record with his district. It's important that the small, but significant growing movement of young black conservatives feel seen and heard especially in Florida. (Without DEI backlash blocking really strong candidates from fronting a truly diverse coalition in D.C.)

To: CondoleezzaProtege

DeSantis needs to appoint Lara Trump.

NEWSWEEK is NOT our friend and any recommendation they make is for their own benefit. Or a least people they feel will harm liberal elites ‘less’.

2 posted on 11/17/2024 8:28:34 AM PST by GOPJ (Offer illegals $2,000, free ticket home & place on list to come back IF they leave voluntarily )

To: CondoleezzaProtege

I’m with you: Donalds. Not Nunez; I’ve heard her speaking during disasters. Super sharp & competent. We need her to succeed term-limited DeSantis

3 posted on 11/17/2024 8:30:26 AM PST by j.havenfarm (23 years on Free Republic, 12/10/23! More than 8,000 replies and still not shutting up!)

To: CondoleezzaProtege

How much is Newsweek’s opinion worth? $1.

4 posted on 11/17/2024 8:33:03 AM PST by Fungi

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