Lara Trump plans to step down as Republican National Committee co-chair and said Monday she would “100% consider” a potential appointment to Florida’s soon-to-be-vacant U.S. Senate seat.
Hours after announcing she will step down from her RNC post, the first daughter-in-law confirmed reports that she wants to be in the running to replace Sen. Marco Rubio if and when he is confirmed as President-elect Trump’s secretary of state.
“It is something I would seriously consider if I’m being completely transparent,” Lara Trump told the Associated Press. “I certainly want to get all of the information possible if that is something that’s real for me. But yeah, I would 100% consider it.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a onetime presidential primary rival of Donald Trump, has the power to replace Rubio if the seat becomes vacant. DeSantis is barred by term limits from seeking reelection and some have speculated he could name a loyalist as a placeholder to the seat, ahead of a potential run of his own in 2026.
But the incoming president will likely also have significant leverage over the decision, especially if DeSantis hopes to bury the hatchet with the first family. DeSantis has discussed with Trump a possible appointment as Secretary of Defense if nominee Pete Hegseth fails to win Senate confirmation.
Lara Trump, who is married to Eric Trump, posted about her decision to quit the RNC position on Sunday, saying she was “so proud” of her father-in-law for pulling off the remarkable White House comeback win.
“Serving as the GOP co-chair throughout the course of the most consequential election in American history has truly been the honor of my life,” she wrote, ticking off several RNC accomplishments during the campaign.
Elected as RNC co-chair in March, Lara Trump is credited by many Trump insiders with being a key player in the Republicans retaking the White House and control of the Senate while maintaining a narrow House majority.
While Whatley will remain at the RNC, Lara Trump said she felt she had accomplished her goals.
“With that big win, I kind of feel like my time is up,” said Lara Trump, who is from North Carolina but lives in Florida. “What I intended to do has been done.”
Lara Trump said her father-in-law is focused on his legacy during his final upcoming term.
“He really wants to get in there and do a good job for the four years, and that’s all he wants to serve,” she said. “Four years, and he’s out.”
