Lara Trump withdraws bid to replace outgoing Florida Sen. Marco Rubio | Republicans

Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of Donald Trump, said Saturday that she had removed her name from consideration to replace outgoing U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.

Rubio has been tapped by Trump to serve as secretary of state. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will choose a replacement for Rubio, who is expected to step down as a senator when Trump takes office on Jan. 20.

There was speculation that Lara Trump, who served as co-chair of the Republican National Committee in the run-up to the 2024 election, would succeed Rubio in the Senate.

But in a post on X, she said she had decided to remove herself from consideration “after an incredible amount of thought, contemplation and encouragement from so many”.

“I could not have been more honored to serve as RNC Co-Chair during the most high-profile election of our lifetime, and I am truly humbled by the incredible support shown to me by the people of our country and here in the great state of Florida,” said she.

Trump is married to Eric Trump, Donald Trump’s son.

Trump added that she had a “big announcement” to share in January, but did not provide details. She said she remains passionate about public service and looks forward to serving in the future.

While noting that there was already a lot of interest from possible candidates, DeSantis said last month that a selection will likely be made in early January.