Since everyone knows that Marco Rubio will be confirmed easily and by a large margin, the maneuvering for his Senate seat is now in full swing, both openly, as well as behind the scenes. Two Florida representatives, Cory Mills and Kat Cammack, are letting Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and the rest of the world know that being a senator is a tough job but somebody has to do it, and they are willing to shoulder the burden.
Both of them have spoken to DeSantis about their willingness to work for all of Florida, but he was noncommittal. Both of them were optimistic after their visits. Mills tweeted: "We will have to see what the Governor decides. Either way, it's an honor to be considered." It is not clear he is actually being considered, though. Cammack tweeted: "I'm eagerly looking forward to President-elect Trump's inauguration on January 20th, and the opportunity to roll up my sleeves and continue to work for Florida in either capacity." Note the mention of "Florida" here, not FL-03, which she now represents.
DeSantis has not been consulting with members of Congress about his decision. Even Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) isn't in the loop, though he would be a logical person to talk to. DeSantis has said he would make a decision "soon."
One factor strongly working against Mills and Cammack is the tiny Republican House majority, which will be 217-215 until the special elections in April fill three seats. If either Mills or Cammack is appointed, then the House will become 216-215. That is worse than 217-215 because with 217, if a Republican is sick and doesn't show up to vote, the bill still passes 216-215. With a 216-215 majority, one sick member or a member who can't get back from home due to a canceled flight spells doom. While Trump probably can't count correctly to 216, DeSantis can and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) most definitely can.
Besides, it is rumored that DeSantis is leaning toward appointing his AG, Ashley Moody, because: (1) His chief of staff wants her job and (2) She has already won statewide election and would be a strong candidate to win the 2026 special election for the rest of Rubio's term.
Mills presumably knows all this, but really wants to be a senator. So much so that he has announced that he will be a candidate in the special election, no matter which chamber he is in. Take that, Ron! If you pick someone else, I will primary him or her, so you better pick me! Will DeSantis be cowed into picking Mills? Stop laughing and keep reading. We have more news today. (V)