Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is facing significant pressure from Donald Trump’s camp as his political future becomes a high-stakes battleground. A power struggle has emerged, centered on the appointment of a senator to fill Marco Rubio’s seat after his nomination as Secretary of State. Lara Trump, wife of Eric Trump and co-chair of the Republican National Committee, is already positioning herself to take over Rubio’s seat.
In November 2022, Rubio won his third reelection, which left DeSantis with the responsibility of appointing a replacement for the next two years. A special election in 2026 will determine who finishes Rubio’s term, while a new senator will be elected in 2028 for a full six-year term.
DeSantis stands at a political crossroads with Trump camp watching closely
The stakes for this decision are immense. Florida has become a political powerhouse for Republicans, with DeSantis’s appointee having the chance to shape the state’s future in the Senate. The appointed senator, especially if they are an incumbent, would have a strong chance to win both the 2026 special election and the 2028 term.
DeSantis, who faces term limits in January 2027, is confronted with a career challenge as he considers his future. After his overwhelming victory in 2022, he launched a presidential campaign in 2023, only to be outmatched by Trump. Now, as his presidential bid falters, he will need to find a new avenue to maintain his political relevance, with the Senate being a possible stepping stone until his next opportunity arises.
Lara Trump’s ambitions for the Senate have been clear. She has made no secret of her desire to take the seat, repeatedly expressing her interest on Fox News and positioning herself as the right choice for Florida. With her past successes as co-chair of the Republican National Committee, she has earned the support of various key Republican figures, including Senators Rick Scott, Lindsey Graham, and Josh Hawley.
The pressure on DeSantis is further amplified by the “loyalty” expectations from Team Trump. His relationship with Trump has been strained since his presidential run, and his decision will likely influence his future political opportunities.
Appointing Lara Trump could be seen as a way to mend fences with the former president and demonstrate loyalty. DeSantis’s options are numerous, but each comes with its own set of risks. He could appoint himself to the Senate, though this has historically been a move with mixed outcomes for governors.
Alternatively, he could resign and have Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez appoint him to Rubio’s seat. Another possibility involves appointing his wife, Casey DeSantis, as a placeholder until the special election, a tactic previously used by former Governor Rick Scott.
Ultimately, DeSantis’s choice will have lasting implications for his political future. He is caught between personal ambition and the need to navigate the pressures from Trump’s camp. The outcome of his decision could either secure his path to the Senate or further alienate him from influential political forces.
