**Speculation Grows Over Rubio's Possible Successor as Florida Senator**

As Florida anticipates the appointment of Senator Marco Rubio to lead Donald Trump's State Department, attention has shifted to the question of who might replace him. Although Rubio’s new role isn't officially confirmed, a senior source close to the incoming administration has described its likelihood as "very firm."

Governor Ron DeSantis finds himself with a variety of potential candidates to consider. These range from lesser-known insiders to prominent state officeholders who, like DeSantis, will face term limits in 2026. Notably, the prospect of Rubio serving as Trump's vice-presidential candidate was previously considered but discarded due to potential Electoral College complications.

One route for DeSantis is to appoint a temporary placeholder who would contest an expedited election in 2026. Chief among the contenders for this role is Chief of Staff James Uthmeier, who has successfully led campaigns against proposals to remove abortion restrictions and to legalize recreational marijuana. There is historical precedent for choosing a chief of staff for such an interim position, as evidenced by former Governor Charlie Crist’s appointment of his chief of staff, George LeMieux, to fill a midterm vacancy.

Another intriguing possibility could be First Lady Casey DeSantis, who is deeply involved in policy matters. However, the logistics of her taking on such a role, given the couple's three young children, make this option less likely. Family dynamics are central to the DeSantis brand, and managing demanding careers for both parents simultaneously seems impractical under current circumstances.

Among the state’s cabinet members, Attorney General Ashley Moody emerges as a strong candidate. Since President Joe Biden's 2020 victory, Moody has closely collaborated with Governor DeSantis in challenging federal initiatives on various fronts, including pandemic mitigation and border policies. Her alignment with DeSantis’s objectives and her potential to secure a full term in the Senate make her a noteworthy contender.

Alternative names also surface in speculation, such as Republican National Committee co-chair Lara Trump, who resides in Florida and has a strong connection to the MAGA community. Another interesting possibility is former Florida House Speaker Jose Oliva, though his statewide appeal remains untested.

Whoever DeSantis chooses to replace Rubio will undoubtedly create ripple effects throughout Florida's political landscape, influencing the state's strategies in upcoming elections.