Republicans eye Florida's "Alligator People" for 2028
Why it matters: The political posturing of the two Florida Republicans — or the efforts to draft either for 2028 — underscores the sudden volatility of the way-too-early GOP preprimary campaign to succeed President Trump.
- "To some people, Rubio seemed to entertain the idea for the first time.
- The intrigue: During the somber election watch party at the White House on Tuesday night, Rubio's phone "blew up" with supporters urging him to reconsider running for president, according to a source familiar with the scene.
- DeSantis's postelection appearance on CNN with Jake Tapper was a sign he learned a lesson from his 2024 presidential campaign: Earning free media by sitting for more podcast and TV interviews is crucial.
"The alligator people are stirring," said one national Republican consultant with extensive Florida experience, referring to the Sunshine State's official reptile.
Before Tuesday's midterm Republican wipeout, the party's 2028 primary looked like a relatively easy coronation for Vice President Vance (if he runs, as expected).
- But two things distinguish Florida from other states: DeSantis and Rubio have national profiles rooted in their own prior presidential campaigns, in 2024 and 20216, respectively.
- He hasn't made an official decision on whether to run for president — but he has stoked speculation with a media blitz that began with an Election Day appearance on Stephen A.
- Or he didn't shut it down fast enough." Two days later, two publications reported that Rubio was actively considering resigning to lay the groundwork to run for president.
- Florida was the lone red-wall state that the national blue wave couldn't top, which DeSantis has been happy to emphasize repeatedly since Tuesday.
- Rubio repeatedly has said he plans to stay put in the Trump administration and serve out the rest of his term, until January 2029.
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