With thin GOP House majority, DeSantis likely won't pick congressional member for Rubio Senate seat

DeSantis has said he plans to have his appointment ready by Jan. 20 when Trump's second term will begin.

Published: January 14, 2025 9:05am

Updated: January 14, 2025 9:20am

Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis says he will not pick a sitting member in the House to replace Sen. Marco Rubio, considering Republicans' slim majority in the chamber.

“I’ve been honest with the congresspeople ... that’s a big concern of mine,” said DeSantis, according to Yahoo News. “You’ve got to be part of the team and you’ve got to help deliver (President-elect Donald Trump’s policies)."

He also said: "But if you put someone there and it reduces the numbers in the House it may make it harder for them to enact an agenda."

Rubio is now President-elect Donald Trump's secretary of State nominee.

Two Florida GOP House members – Reps. Cory Mills and Kat Cammack want the Senate seat.

Mills is also planning a run for the Senate in 2026 even if he isn't appointed by DeSantis. Over the weekend, he said his "hat is going to be thrown in the ring."

DeSantis has said he plans to have his appointment ready by Jan. 20 when Trump's second term will begin.