Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, announced Saturday that she is no longer seeking to replace Senator Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate, a decision that reshapes the political landscape in Florida ahead of a crucial appointment by Governor Ron DeSantis.
"After an incredible amount of thought, contemplation, and encouragement from so many, I have decided to remove my name from consideration for the United States Senate," Trump wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. She added, "I remain incredibly passionate about public service and look forward to serving our country again sometime in the future."
The decision comes as Rubio prepares to vacate his seat to undergo confirmation as Secretary of State in the Trump administration. DeSantis is tasked with appointing a replacement who will serve the remainder of Rubio's term, which ends in 2026.
Trump, who is married to Eric Trump, the president-elect's son, had been considered a frontrunner for the position. Her resignation earlier this month as co-chair of the Republican National Committee fueled speculation that she was preparing to step into the Senate role.
Despite her departure from the race, Trump hinted at upcoming plans, stating she has a "big announcement" to share in January. The nature of this announcement remains unclear, but it has already sparked further speculation about her political ambitions.
The potential appointment of Lara Trump drew a mix of praise and criticism. Some, like Florida Senator Rick Scott, expressed confidence in her qualifications. "She is clearly qualified," Scott told NewsNation in November. Meanwhile, Maye Musk, the mother of billionaire Elon Musk, voiced her support for Trump, stating that the Senate "desperately needs a smart, young, outspoken woman."
However, detractors criticized her candidacy as nepotism, with one pro-DeSantis commentator calling her "totally unqualified" and unsuitable for the role. The controversy around her candidacy may have factored into her decision to withdraw, though Trump's statement did not directly address the criticism.
President-elect Trump reportedly encouraged DeSantis to consider Lara Trump for the position but later clarified that the final decision was up to the governor. "That's his choice," Trump said, signaling that he did not expect DeSantis to feel pressured by the suggestion.
DeSantis, who has remained tight-lipped about potential candidates, is expected to announce his selection in early January. The appointee will face the challenging task of stepping into a high-profile role with just two years before the seat becomes open for election in 2026.
For Lara Trump, the decision to step away from the Senate opportunity does not mark an end to her political aspirations. Her statement highlighted her continued commitment to public service, leaving the door open for future endeavors.
