Florida
Could Governor DeSantis Appoint Himself to the U.S. Senate if Marco Rubio Becomes Trump’s Secretary of State?
WEST PALM BEACH (FNN) – With President-Elect Donald Trump reportedly considering U.S. Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, Florida may soon face a vacancy in one of its Senate seats. Governor Ron DeSantis is positioned as a potential successor if Rubio is tapped for the role, though self-appointing to the Senate could carry significant political risks and set a historic precedent for Florida.
DeSantis v. Crist 2022 Race for Florida Governor
In 2009, then-Governor Charlie Crist appointed George LeMieux to the U.S. Senate as a placeholder but later lost his Senate bid to Marco Rubio. Crist missed a pivotal opportunity by not appointing himself. With Trump’s Republicans making bold moves, will DeSantis seize the moment and appoint himself if Rubio joins Trump’s cabinet?
Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez could become Governor?
File – Florida State Representative Jeanette Nuñez (R) speaks with Florida National News (FNN News) after a Ron DeSantis rally in Kissimmee, Florida.
Under Florida law, the governor could appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of Rubio’s term. However, for DeSantis to appoint himself, he would have to resign as governor and elevate Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez to the governorship. Should DeSantis take this route, he would be among a select group of governors who have self-appointed to the U.S. Senate—a move that has proven politically challenging historically.
Historical Impact of Self-Appointed Governors to the Senate (According to 2009 NPR report)
Governors who have self-appointed to the U.S. Senate have rarely been successful in subsequent elections. Only one governor has successfully won a later election after a self-appointment: Kentucky’s Happy Chandler, who not only retained his seat in a special election but also won re-election two years later.
Here’s a list of governors who self-appointed to the Senate and their subsequent electoral outcomes:
- Montana, 1933: Gov. John Erickson (D) appointed himself, lost the 1934 primary.
- Kentucky, 1939: Gov. Happy Chandler (D) appointed himself, won the 1940 special election and re-elected in 1942.
- Nevada, 1945: Gov. Edward Carville (D) appointed himself, lost the 1946 primary.
- Idaho, 1945: Gov. Charles Gossett (D) appointed himself, lost the 1946 primary.
- Wyoming, 1960: Gov. John J. Hickey (D) appointed himself, lost the 1962 general election.
- New Mexico, 1962: Gov. Edwin Mechem (R) appointed himself, lost the 1964 general election.
- Oklahoma, 1963: Gov. J. Howard Edmondson (D) appointed himself, lost the 1964 primary.
- South Carolina, 1965: Gov. Donald Russell (D) appointed himself, lost the 1966 primary.
- Minnesota, 1977: Gov. Wendell Anderson (D) appointed himself, lost the 1978 general election.
Would DeSantis Face Similar Challenges?
If DeSantis chooses to appoint himself, the implications could be complex:
- Risk of Political Backlash: Voters and political opponents might view a self-appointment as overly ambitious or opportunistic. DeSantis, who has cultivated a national reputation, would need to gauge public opinion carefully.
- Challenging Re-election Path: History shows that most governors who appointed themselves lost in subsequent elections, possibly due to the perception that they prioritized personal advancement over state leadership.
- Party and Public Perception: DeSantis has been a prominent figure in GOP politics and has a strong base in Florida. Self-appointing could strain relationships within the Republican Party, especially among those who might view his resignation as destabilizing for Florida’s executive branch.
DeSantis’ Considerations
If Rubio does leave the Senate, DeSantis will likely weigh his options carefully. He could appoint a trusted ally to the Senate role or, alternatively, make the bold move of appointing himself, assuming the risks that come with such a decision.
In short, the path for DeSantis is a narrow one, fraught with both opportunity and political hazards. If he seeks the Senate seat, he will be bucking a trend in American politics where few governors have successfully transitioned through self-appointments.
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J Willie David, III contributed to this report.
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
Business
FNN Spotlight Javier Garcia: From Producing Publix Toledo Scale Handrails to Leading in News Media and Youth Mentorship
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Florida National News proudly recognizes Javier Garcia, a dedicated sports reporter for FNN News en Español and co-host of the FNN News en Español Podcast Talk Show, during Hispanic Heritage Month 2025. Garcia’s story highlights his contributions not only to journalism, but also to Florida’s metal fabrication industry and his commitment to youth advocacy.
Javier Garcia manufactured more than 700 pairs of handrails for Toledo scales, the iconic weighing machines placed at Publix supermarket entrances.
Javier Garcia began his professional journey in the metal fabrication industry.
From Metal Fabrication to Lasting Impact
Garcia began his professional journey in the metal fabrication industry, working for Downing Sheet Metal, a Winter Park company with over 100 years of history. This role taught him discipline, teamwork, and innovation. At just 20 years old, Garcia manufactured more than 700 pairs of handrails for Toledo scales, the iconic weighing machines placed at Publix supermarket entrances. His craftsmanship became part of Florida’s everyday history, a contribution that continues to touch countless lives.
Garcia also carried his mentorship into youth sports. Parents named him coach of his daughter’s soccer team, he instilled teamwork, discipline, and joy for the game.
Advocacy and Mentorship for Youth
Beyond his industrial contributions, Garcia has dedicated his time to uplifting young people. He visited correctional facilities to motivate and inspire incarcerated youth, earning a Certificate of Appreciation from the State of Florida, presented under Secretary James V. Crosby Jr. and Administrator Charles E. Germony. His encouragement focused on ethics, resilience, and self-respect—values that continue to shape the next generation.
Garcia also carried his mentorship into youth sports. When parents named him coach of his daughter’s soccer team, he instilled teamwork, discipline, and joy for the game. Later, in volleyball, his guidance transformed a struggling team into victors, reminding young athletes to focus on good serves, joy, and encouragement. That single win symbolized more than a scoreline—it was a triumph of character and unity.
Media, Community, and Continuing Legacy
As a reporter and podcast host for FNN News en Español, Javier Garcia brings his passion for storytelling to the broader Hispanic community. His sports coverage spans the Orlando Magic, Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride, and other major sporting events. Beyond sports, Garcia reports on cultural moments such as the annual Florida Puerto Rican Parade and Festival in Downtown Orlando, as well as everyday events that matter to the community. Through his work, he amplifies Hispanic voices, highlights community achievements, and inspires others to share their stories. Garcia also invites members of the Hispanic community to participate as guests on the FNN News en Español Podcast Talk Show, ensuring their contributions are celebrated and remembered.
Florida National News proudly honors Javier Garcia for his passion, integrity, and lasting contributions across industries and generations.
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Business
Jenny Rosario, VP of Florida National News, Kicks Off 2025 National Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Florida National News kicks off the 2025 National Hispanic Heritage Month by spotlighting one of its own: Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News and FNN News Network. Appointed to the VP role in January 2020, Rosario has been a pillar of the organization since joining in 2014, previously hosting the FNN Entertainment Buzz Show while also reporting for the network.
FNN is honored to showcase Rosario’s contributions in media, entertainment, acting, and film production as she continues to lead Florida National News and FNN News Network into the future.
A Bronx Native with Cuban and Puerto Rican Roots
Rosario, a native of the Bronx, New York, is of Cuban and Puerto Rican descent. She began her career in film and production after graduating from Valencia College’s Film Program with a degree in Film Production Technology. Starting as a production assistant, she worked her way through multiple roles including makeup artist, script supervisor, writer, producer, and director. She later launched her own small production company, Rmarcfilms Corp., and founded Pink River Productions DBA The Booking Actor.
Her on-screen career blossomed as a lifestyle and fashion model before she pursued acting studies in 2000. Discovered by a scout, she was recruited into pageantry and went on to win several titles, including Ms. Latina Florida USA (2002), Ms. Latina International (2003), and Ms. International World (2015).
Education, Career, and Global Mission Work
Alongside her entertainment career, Rosario is a strong advocate for education. She earned a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.S. in Project Management. She is also a spokesperson, life coach, and the accomplished author of the children’s book Sunny Days with Mommy and Me. Beyond her professional endeavors, Rosario is a dedicated local and global missionary, having completed mission work in Ukraine, Guatemala, Mexico, and El Salvador.
Her extensive portfolio includes hosting talk shows, appearing in hundreds of commercials, and acting in both feature and short films. Rosario’s ability to balance leadership at FNN, her acting career, community advocacy, and missionary work highlights her versatility and dedication.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2025
Florida National News’ celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Monday, September 15 through Wednesday, October 15, 2025. The annual observance recognizes the culture, traditions, and contributions of U.S. residents tracing their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
Through its spotlight on Jenny Rosario, FNN proudly honors her Cuban and Puerto Rican heritage and her significant impact as a Latina leader in media, entertainment, and the community.
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Florida
Governor DeSantis Pushes to Correct Census Undercount, Calls for Fair Representation in Congress
