If Sen. Rubio becomes secretary of state, who would replace him in the Senate and what would happen to his seat?

GOP Sen. Marco Rubio is predicted to be nominated as secretary of state by President-elect Trump, according to a report by Planet Chronicle Digital. Meanwhile, Gov. Ron DeSantis will have to choose a replacement for Rubio in the Senate in Florida.

In 2022, Rubio was re-elected to the Senate for another six-year term. As a result, DeSantis' decision to replace him will serve until a special election in 2026, which will determine who will serve in Rubio's seat for the remaining two years of his term.

If DeSantis appoints someone to serve until 2026, they will be eligible to run in the special election to serve until 2028, at which point another election will occur.

Trump has already named DeSantis as his preferred successor, and DeSantis has the option to appoint whoever he chooses, including himself or his wife Casey, with many potential replacements already being discussed.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody

Florida's Republican Attorney General, Moody, has been in office since 2019 and was re-elected in 2022, defeating Democrat Aramis Ayala.

As Attorney General, she has served on the Presidential Commission of Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice, as well as chaired Florida's Statewide Task Force on Opioid Abuse.

U.S. District Judge Roy Altman

"On Tuesday, Planet Chronicle correspondent Lucas Tomlinson reported that many GOP senators are discussing Judge Roy Altman as a potential replacement for Marco Rubio. Altman is a Trump-appointed judge from South Florida, a Venezuelan immigrant, and a Yale Law School graduate."

DeSantis Chief of Staff James Uthmeier

Uthmeier, who previously served as DeSantis's chief of staff and campaign manager, could potentially serve as a placeholder in the Senate for two years before DeSantis runs for the seat in 2026.

Republican National Committee Co-Chair Lara Trump

Several individuals have proposed that Lara Trump, Donald Trump's daughter-in-law, should be considered for the role of senator for Florida, with Alabama GOP Senator Katie Britt stating on Tuesday that Trump would be an exceptional choice.

Britt explained that she is a staunch conservative who helped deliver a sweeping electoral mandate for Republicans as co-chair of the RNC.

"Lara Trump, as a fellow mom of school-aged children, brings a firsthand perspective of parents across the country who want to preserve the American Dream for future generations. She has played a key role in building the historic big-tent, America First coalition and would be a tenacious fighter for Floridians and hardworking people across America. I urge you to appoint her to the open seat in the Senate."

Former Florida House Speaker Jose Oliva

From 2011 to 2020, Oliva was a representative in Florida's House, serving as speaker for the final two years.

In 2023, DeSantis named Oliva to a seven-year term on the Florida Board of Governors.

Florida Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez

The first Hispanic woman to serve as lieutenant governor of Florida is Nuñez, a DeSantis ally, who was previously a representative in the Florida House. She has been involved in efforts to combat human trafficking, serving on the Statewide Human Trafficking Council and the South Florida Human Trafficking Task Force for Super Bowl LIV.

"Rob Bluey, President and Executive Editor of The Daily Signal, stated that DeSantis has a unique opportunity to shape Florida's future and perhaps his own when he fills Rubio's seat. Whether he takes the job himself or appoints someone else, the state's next senator will command national attention given Florida's growing political clout. Bluey added that DeSantis has no shortage of options from his own administration or Florida's congressional delegation."

Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez has been serving alongside DeSantis since his first run for governor in 2018. Additionally, several rising stars from the House, including Reps. Byron Donalds, Kat Cammack, and Matt Gaetz, could also be considered for the position. DeSantis could also choose his wife Casey or even Lara Trump.

"DeSantis will have to choose someone capable of filling big shoes, as Rubio made a significant impact in Washington with his thoughtful approach to policymaking."

DeSantis' office did not respond to Planet Chronicle Digital's request for comment.