All articles tagged with #florida senate
Lara Trump, co-chair of the Republican National Committee and daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, plans to step down amid speculation she may be appointed to fill a potential Senate vacancy in Florida. This vacancy could arise if Senator Marco Rubio is confirmed as secretary of state in the incoming Trump administration. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis would be responsible for appointing Rubio's successor.
Lara Trump announced she will step down as the Republican National Committee co-chair, as she considers a potential bid for the U.S. Senate seat in Florida, which may be vacated by Marco Rubio if he is confirmed as Secretary of State. Several Republican senators, including Rick Scott, are advocating for her appointment. If Rubio's seat becomes available, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis would appoint a temporary successor until a special election in 2026. Lara Trump expressed her interest in the position, emphasizing her commitment to exploring the opportunity.
With Marco Rubio reportedly set to become Secretary of State under Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is tasked with appointing Rubio's Senate replacement. Potential candidates include Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, DeSantis' Chief of Staff James Uthmeier, former Florida House Speaker José Oliva, and Lara Trump, though DeSantis' consideration of Trump is uncertain. The appointment will trigger a special election in 2026, coinciding with the end of DeSantis' gubernatorial term.
With Marco Rubio likely to be appointed as Secretary of State by Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is considering options for Rubio's Senate replacement. While DeSantis has ruled out appointing himself or his wife, potential candidates include his chief of staff James Uthmeier and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody. Moody, a strong ally of DeSantis, is seen as a likely choice due to her legal work with the governor and potential electability. The decision will have significant implications for Florida's political landscape.
The Florida Senate passed a series of bills aimed at "deregulation" of public schools, including measures to change state assessments and instruction, give districts flexibility in setting teacher salaries, and allow school districts to publish their tentative budgets online. The legislative package, a priority of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, aims to reduce red tape and burdensome regulations for schools. One measure underwent significant changes after criticism from former Gov. Jeb Bush, removing a provision related to the state's third-grade literacy policy. The House Education Quality Subcommittee also gave initial approval to a school deregulation bill, including a provision to allow school districts to charge a $100 "processing fee" for people who make more than a certain number of challenges to instructional materials or library books.
Navy veteran Phil Ehr has officially entered the race for Senate in Florida, challenging incumbent GOP Sen. Rick Scott. Ehr criticized Scott's support for former President Trump and highlighted his oversight of a company fined $1.7 billion for Medicare fraud. Despite pressure from Democratic leaders to recruit former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Ehr launched his campaign, emphasizing his commitment to fighting for American values. Other potential challengers to Scott include state Rep. Fentrice Driskell, Brevard County School Board member Jennifer Jenkins, and former Rep. Alan Grayson.
The Florida Senate has passed a proposed six-week abortion ban with a vote of 26 to 13. Senate Bill 300, titled the Pregnancy and Parenting Support bill, includes a shorter time frame for an abortion but allows exemptions in the cases of rape and incest. Women would have to provide documentation from police, court, or medical records to prove they are victims. Even if passed, the bill hinges on a ruling by the Florida Supreme Court.