DeSantis predicts Rubio's replacement will be announced by early January

Florida's Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday gave an update on the search for Sen. Marco Rubio's replacement in the Senate, now that the latter has been nominated for Secretary of State.

President-elect Donald Trump tapped Rubio for the post last week as one of his first cabinet nominations for the former president's second term. Rubio, who is known for being a hawk on China and Iraq, is expected to be confirmed by the Senate next year, after he resigns his post in January.

DeSantis said that he has already received interest from several possible candidates to fill the remainder of Rubio's term, and is conducting preliminary vetting for the seat. He is also continuing to gather additional names.

"More extensive vetting and candidate interviews will be conducted over the next few weeks, with a selection likely made by the beginning of January," the governor posted to X.

"Florida deserves a Senator who will help President Trump deliver on his election mandate," he continued. "[Who will also] be strong on immigration and border security, take on the entrenched bureaucracy and administrative state, reverse the nation’s fiscal decline, be animated by conservative principles, and has a proven record of results."

Several names have already been floated as to who could replace Rubio, including Republican National Committee co-chair Lara Trump, who is also the president-elect's daughter-in-law.

Fellow Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott has vocally supported Lara Trump, stating last week that she has done a "great job with the RNC. She's great spokesperson. She's conservative."

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.