Gov. DeSantis confirms he won’t appoint a House member to replace Rubio due to slim GOP majority concerns
Cory Mills, a Republican from New Smyrna Beach, was considered a potential candidate. But DeSantis told reporters that appointing someone from the House could weaken their numbers, making it tougher to push through their agenda.
He emphasized the importance of teamwork, especially with President Trump’s policies on the line. DeSantis is gearing up for a special legislative session focused on immigration and other issues.
With the upcoming changes, Republicans are expected to have a narrow 217-215 edge over Democrats in the House when Trump is inaugurated. DeSantis plans to make his appointment before Rubio officially steps down, as Rubio is set to become Secretary of State.
While the Senate GOP majority is slightly larger at 53-47, DeSantis is cautious. He can only appoint someone for two years before a new election is required. Mills has expressed his intention to run for the Senate seat in 2026, regardless of DeSantis’s choice.
DeSantis believes that whoever he picks will likely win over GOP voters and fend off challengers. He wants someone who aligns with Trump’s tough immigration stance and can deliver results for Florida.
In a recent post, he stated that Florida deserves a senator who will support Trump’s agenda and tackle key issues like immigration and fiscal responsibility.
