Lara Trump's recent announcement that she is stepping down as co-chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC) has fueled speculation that she will succeed Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who has been tapped by President-elect Trump to become secretary of state.
Washington Times columnist Robert Knight says Trump is pressing Governor Ron DeSantis to name his daughter-in-law to fill Rubio's seat until the next election in 2026. Republican Senators Rick Scott (FL), Lindsey Graham (SC), Katie Britt (AL), and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL) support that plan.
"There's no question Lara Trump is a very competent person, very smart," he submits. "She could handle a senator's job after handling the big job at the RNC."
Knight also believes Lara Trump would be very popular with Sunshine State voters in 2026.
"I think the Trump name is golden in Florida," the columnist says. "He's very popular there, and that will help Lara Trump if she runs."
He adds, though, that Florida has plenty of other strong candidates.
Serving as RNC co-chair since March, Lara Trump says she fulfilled three sought goals: surpassing all fundraising records, building the largest army of lawyers and poll watchers to ensure election integrity, and turning out millions of Americans and low propensity voters during early voting.
Associated Press credits her as a key player in the Republicans retaking the White House and control of the Senate while maintaining a House majority.
"What she does next could shape Republican politics, given her elevated political profile and her ties to the incoming president," the AP says.
Fox News points out that this is not the first time Lara Trump has been in the midst of Senate speculation. Following the 2020 presidential election, rumors spread that she was considering a Senate run in her home state of North Carolina. She ultimately decided not to run and endorsed now-Sen. Ted Budd (R).
Gov. DeSantis has said that he will likely name his pick for the seat by early January.
