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Could Governor DeSantis Appoint Himself to the U.S. Senate if Marco Rubio Becomes Trump’s Secretary of State?

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1 year ago

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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.

_____________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III contributed to this report.
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

 

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Florida

Advocates Oppose Florida Medicaid Work Reporting Bill, Cite “Deathbed Exemption” and Coverage Gap Risks

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5 days ago

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March 2, 2026

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — A Florida Senate committee on Monday advanced SB 1758, legislation that would impose Medicaid work reporting requirements in a state that has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Advocates say the proposal would push thousands of low-income Floridians into the state’s existing coverage gap and create new administrative barriers for people with serious illnesses.

The bill goes beyond the recently passed federal measure, H.R. 1 — known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — which exempts non-expansion states from federal Medicaid work reporting requirements. Critics argue Florida lawmakers are moving forward despite that exemption.

Bill Would Add Work Reporting and “Deathbed Exemption”

SB 1758 would require certain Medicaid recipients to document at least 80 hours per month of work or qualifying activities to maintain coverage. The bill includes exemptions, including a recently added provision that would exempt terminally ill parents only if they can prove a life expectancy of six months or less.

Sadaf Knight, CEO of Florida Policy Institute, said the amendment would require a single mother who is terminally ill and earning less than $8,000 a year to meet monthly work reporting requirements unless she can demonstrate a six-month prognosis.

“It is hard to grasp how we arrived at a policy that effectively asks someone facing the end of their life to prove they are dying quickly enough to keep their Medicaid,” Knight said.

Opponents say the proposal would increase administrative costs while stripping coverage from residents who are already working or unable to work due to caregiving responsibilities or medical conditions.

Advocates Warn of Coverage Gap, Legal and Fiscal Risks

Florida is one of 10 states that has not expanded Medicaid, leaving an estimated 260,000 residents in the coverage gap — earning too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid but too little to receive federal marketplace subsidies.

More than two dozen organizations signed a letter urging members of the Senate Appropriations Committee to reject the bill. Signatories include the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Southern Poverty Law Center, UnidosUS, The AIDS Institute, Florida Policy Institute, Florida Voices for Health and 1199SEIU.

Melanie Williams of Florida Health Justice Project called the bill “fiscally reckless,” noting that the state has already spent $1 million defending wrongful Medicaid terminations in federal court and that the Department of Children and Families has reported budget constraints in addressing court-mandated changes.

Rachel Klein of The AIDS Institute said federal law prohibits non-expansion states from implementing Medicaid work requirements and warned the measure could face legal challenges. Others argued the costs of building a new reporting system would outweigh any potential savings.

Advocates say the Legislature should focus instead on expanding access to affordable coverage amid rising health care costs and expiring enhanced premium tax credits.

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Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis Unveils Statue of President James Monroe as Florida Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday

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3 weeks ago

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February 16, 2026

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MONROE COUNTY, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a new statue of President James Monroe, the namesake of Monroe County, in Monroe County as part of the ongoing statewide commemoration of America’s 250th birthday and the state celebration of George Washington’s Birthday, which the governor recognized as a state holiday in 2026. America 250 Florida marks the state’s official observance of America’s semiquincentennial and will host and help sponsor special events throughout the year for Floridians from all corners of the state to enjoy.

“In recognition of his contributions to our country, I was proud to unveil the statue of President James Monroe near Bahia Honda State Park in Monroe County today,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “In Florida, we honor our nation’s history, celebrate those who made our country great, and strive to pass down their legacy of civic virtue to the next generation.”

“Every mile of coastline and acre of our beautiful landscape serves as a monument to President James Monroe who saw the potential of Florida,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “And today, just as in President Monroe’s era, our state continues to play an important role leading the rest of the nation. We are the free state of Florida.”

“Through this statue series and our ‘all-in’ commitment to America’s 250th, Florida is setting a national precedent for reigniting patriotism and civic life,” said Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “By bringing these founders back into the public square, we are highlighting their contributions and inviting everyone to come celebrate America in Florida.”

The unveiling is part of a broader initiative announced last year to place statues of the Founding Fathers in Florida counties that bear their names, reinforcing civic pride, historical literacy, and respect for the nation’s founding principles. President Monroe, the nation’s fifth president, played a pivotal role in American history through his service in the Revolutionary War, his decades of diplomatic leadership, and his presidency following the War of 1812. His legacy is deeply tied to Florida through the Adams-Onís Treaty of 1819, which transferred Florida from Spain to the United States, and through the Monroe Doctrine, which established American leadership in the Western Hemisphere.

The Monroe statue also reflects Florida’s broader commitment to civic education, historical preservation, and American heritage, as the state continues to lead nationally in civics instruction, education freedom, and higher education excellence.

The monument is part of the newly designated Spottswood Heritage Trail, named in honor of the late Monroe County Sheriff and State Senator John M. Spottswood, a community leader and veteran whose legacy of service and conservation continues through the preservation of surrounding lands and waterways. It is located adjacent to Bahia Honda State Park, the historic Flagler Railroad Bridge, and Coupon Bight Aquatic Preserve.

The unveiling ceremony occurred on the final day of George Washington’s Birthday Weekend, which provided free entry for all Floridians to state lands, including state parks, as part of the state’s ongoing semiquincentennial celebration. Further activities will continue to be announced over the coming months.

Floridians can find information on events, exhibits, heritage sites, and participation opportunities at America250FL.com, the state’s official hub for the Semiquincentennial celebration.

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Florida

Attorney General James Uthmeier Announces Arrests in Central Florida Medicaid Fraud Case

Published

1 month ago

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January 28, 2026

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrests of Alexander McKinnie and Kara Morrison in connection with a scheme to defraud Florida’s Medicaid program.

“Medicaid fraud is a clear example of theft from taxpayers,” Uthmeier said. “In Florida, our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit will safeguard public funds and aggressively pursue anyone who exploits these programs.”

An investigation by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit determined that McKinnie submitted tens of thousands of dollars in fraudulent claims for non-emergency medical transportation gas reimbursements for trips that never occurred.

Investigators said McKinnie fraudulently billed Medicaid for more than $65,000 in medical services that were never provided. Morrison assisted in the scheme by submitting approximately $7,000 in false reimbursement claims.

McKinnie is charged with one count of Medicaid provider fraud exceeding $50,000 and one count of organized scheme to defraud. Both charges are first-degree felonies, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Morrison is charged with one count of Medicaid provider fraud under $10,000 and one count of organized scheme to defraud. Both are third-degree felonies, punishable by up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines.

McKinnie was arrested by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, while Morrison was arrested by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

The cases will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney for Florida’s Eighteenth Judicial Circuit.

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