Donald Trump's daughter-in-law emerges as a frontrunner in Florida's senatorial succession discussions.
According to Daily Mail, a new J.L. Partners poll reveals that 59 percent of Republican voters support Lara Trump's elevation to the Senate seat that will be vacated by Marco Rubio, who is set to become secretary of state in Donald Trump's administration.
The poll, which surveyed 1,006 registered voters, indicates overwhelming Republican backing for Lara Trump, with 36 percent expressing strong support for her appointment. Only 10 percent of Republican voters oppose the idea, while the broader public shows more divided opinions, with 33 percent in favor and 30 percent opposed.
Governor Ron DeSantis holds the responsibility of appointing Rubio's replacement and has announced his intention to make a decision by early January. The appointment has gained additional complexity with reports suggesting DeSantis himself might be under consideration for the position of defense secretary in Trump's administration.
DeSantis's team has emphasized their commitment to a thorough review process for potential candidates. The governor's rocky relationship with former President Trump adds another layer of intrigue to the selection process.
James Johnson, cofounder of J.L. Partners, offered his analysis of the poll results:
Republican voters are with the Trumps and they believe Lara Trump should be the Senate replacement in Florida. Looking at these data, there is little to no chance of a backlash amongst the voters.
Several other potential candidates have emerged for the Senate position. Florida's Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner are among the local options being considered.
Senator Rick Scott has publicly endorsed Lara Trump's potential appointment, expressing his support on social media platform X. His endorsement carries significant weight as a former Florida governor.
Lara Trump, who recently led the Republican National Committee through the election campaign, has expressed interest in the position.
She stated:
If this is something I am asked to do, I would seriously consider it, but I have yet to hear from Gov. DeSantis. So we'll see what happens.
The senatorial appointment represents a critical juncture in Florida politics, with implications for both state and national political dynamics. The decision will test the stability of the recently established truce between DeSantis and Trump following their contentious primary battle.
The poll results demonstrate a clear preference among Republican voters while also highlighting the broader political considerations at play. The appointment could significantly influence Florida's political landscape and the balance of power in Washington.
The ultimate decision rests with Governor DeSantis, who must weigh various factors, including party unity, voter preferences, and potential political ramifications for both state and national politics.
