Florida’s Political Landscape Shifts as Trump Names Floridians to Key Positions
Trump’s Reliance on Floridians Creates Chain Reaction
As President-elect Donald Trump names picks for his new administration from his private club in Palm Beach and prepares to return to the White House, he’s bringing the Sunshine State with him. With Sen. Marco Rubio tapped to be the next secretary of state, Rep. Matt Gaetz nominated to be attorney general, and Rep. Mike Waltz in line to be national security adviser, Trump’s reliance on Floridians is setting off a chain reaction that’s opening up new possibilities in the state in 2026 and beyond.
Gaetz’s Nomination Sends Shockwaves
Gaetz’s nomination to lead the Department of Justice, which once investigated him for allegations of sex trafficking, sent a shock wave through Washington, and his confirmation to be the country’s top law enforcement officer is not a done deal. But the vacancy for his seat in northwest Florida’s 1st Congressional District is, after Gaetz resigned Wednesday night. That decision effectively ended a House Ethics Committee investigation into his alleged sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, though the allegations could resurface in Senate confirmation hearings. Gaetz has categorically denied them all.
Waltz and Rubio’s Seats Up for Grabs
Waltz, a three-term congressman who represents Florida’s 6th Congressional District south of Jacksonville, has not yet resigned his seat and neither has Rubio — though Florida Republicans hoping to leverage the upcoming openings are running the if-then calculations.
Filling Vacancies
Under federal and state law, the processes for filling vacancies in the U.S. House and Senate are different. To fill an open House seat, Florida must hold a special election where voters will be able to directly choose their next representative. On the Senate side, DeSantis will get to appoint someone to take over Rubio’s seat, assuming his colleagues confirm him as secretary of state. Rubio’s replacement would hold the seat until the next regularly scheduled election in 2026.
DeSantis’ Role
Among the names being floated for Rubio’s seat: DeSantis himself. "I’m not familiar with anything that prevents him from naming himself," said Tallahassee-based elections lawyer Ron Meyer, "other than hubris, I suppose." DeSantis’ term as governor runs out in 2026, putting the state’s top executive office back on the ballot and offering its own political possibilities.
Conclusion
The Trump administration’s reliance on Floridians has set off a chain reaction that’s opening up new possibilities in the state in 2026 and beyond. As the process of filling vacancies in the U.S. House and Senate unfolds, Florida Republicans will be keeping a close eye on the developments.
FAQs
Q: What is the process for filling vacancies in the U.S. House and Senate?
A: The process for filling vacancies in the U.S. House is different from the process for filling vacancies in the U.S. Senate. In the House, Florida must hold a special election where voters will be able to directly choose their next representative. In the Senate, the governor of Florida will get to appoint someone to take over Rubio’s seat, assuming his colleagues confirm him as secretary of state.
Q: Who is being floated as a potential replacement for Rubio’s seat?
A: Among the names being floated are DeSantis himself, first lady Casey DeSantis, lieutenant governor Jeanette Nuñez, state Attorney General Ashley Moody, and Lara Trump, the president-elect’s daughter-in-law.
Q: When will the special election be held to fill Gaetz’s seat?
A: The state officials haven’t yet announced the dates for a special election, apart from saying they want to move quickly.
