WASHINGTON – Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, stated on Saturday that she is withdrawing herself from the consideration to become a senator from Florida. This puts an end to the speculation that she might replace Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, who is set to be the new administration’s secretary of state.
“After a substantial amount of reflection, thought, and encouragement from many individuals, I have concluded that I will not be a contender for the United States Senate,” Lara Trump shared on X.
Instead, she promised a “big announcement to share in January.”
The decision comes after Trump had previously disclosed that she was resigning as co-chair of the Republican National Committee. This move had sparked speculation about her potential interest in seeking a Senate position.
If Rubio is confirmed, his replacement — who would be chosen by Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis — would serve for two years until the next regularly scheduled election in 2026.
Elected as RNC co-chair in March, Trump was a key player in the GOP retaking the White House and control of the Senate, while maintaining a narrow House majority. What she does next could shape Republican politics, given her elevated political profile and her ties to the incoming president.
The idea of placing a Trump family member in the Senate had been backed by some Republicans, including Maye Musk, mother of Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who Trump has named co-head of a group tasked with reduce federal spending and regulations during his second term as president.
Rubio is expected to be swiftly confirmed to his new post by his Senate colleagues. DeSantis has said that Floridians are likely to know their next senator by the beginning of January.
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