DeSantis nearing decision on Marco Rubio's Senate replacement

With confirmation hearings for key Cabinet positions in the incoming Trump administration just days away, attentions remain focused on who will fill Senate seats likely to be vacated in short order.

Specifically, many are wondering precisely whom Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will choose to take over for Sen. Marco Rubio, expected to become secretary of State later this month, though the list of top contenders appears to have narrowed, as Politico reports.

DeSantis' tight timeline

According to the outlet, DeSantis was asked last week whether he has come to a final decision about Rubio's replacement, a choice that needs to be made sooner rather than later, given that the senator's own confirmation hearing is slated for Jan. 15.

The governor indicated that his mind is not yet made up on the critical question, but that it not to say that political prognosticators are totally in the dark about the likeliest candidates.

Politico reports that Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is a particular favorite to claim Rubio's seat, citing individuals with inside knowledge of the governor's process.

Moody has long positioned herself as a strong supporter of DeSantis, but she has also aligned closely with Trump, making her a particularly strong candidate in the eyes of many.

Though DeSantis did his best not to give any hints as to his ultimate choice, he assured the public that a “lot of research” had gone into deliberations about the role.

Top contender withdraws

One prominent name that will not be selected to fill Rubio's seat, however, is that of Lara Trump, who was once considered a veritable shoe-in for the job but since took herself out of the running, as NewsNation noted at the time.

The former RNC co-chair had garnered public support from a diverse group of notables, including Sen. Lindsey Graham and Maye Musk, but she ultimately decided to pursue other endeavors for the time being.

However, despite previously expressing a willingness to serve if asked, Lara Trump took to X to take herself out of the running altogether.

“I could not have been more honored to serve as RNC co-chair during the most high-stakes election of our lifetime, and I'm truly humbled by the unbelievable support shown to me by the people of our country, and here in the great state of Florida,” and she also wished DeSantis “the best of luck with this appointment.”

Trump recently declared her faith in the governor's selection process, saying, “I think his instinct will probably lead him in the right direction,” and that is a sentiment millions of Americans surely share.