MIAMI – If President-elect Donald Trump selects Florida Senator Marco Rubio as State SecretaryGov. Ron DeSantis would have the power to appoint Rubio’s temporary Senate replacement.

Rubio, who was re-elected to his six-year term in 2022, would vacate a seat that does not expire until 2028.

The appointed replacement would serve until a 2026 special election to complete the final two years of Rubio’s term — meaning the appointee would have to win again in 2028 to secure a full term.

CBS News Miami’s Jim DeFede reports, citing conversations with multiple Republican sources, that several scenarios are being discussed for how DeSantis could move forward:

1. Appointment of Chief of Staff James Uthmeier: Uthmeier, who serves as DeSantis’ chief of staff and was campaign manager for his presidential campaign, could act as a caretaker in the Senate role until 2026. The move would give DeSantis the opportunity to run for the Senate seat in the 2026 special election, in line with the end of his governor’s term.

2. Appointment of Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez: Nunez, a Cuban-American from Miami, has been a loyal ally of DeSantis. Her appointment could provide continuity for Cuban-American representation, replacing Rubio, who shares the same background.

3. DeSantis takes the Senate seat: DeSantis could work with Nunez to resign as governor, allowing her to ascend to the governorship and appoint him directly to the Senate seat, bypassing the need to wait until 2026 .

Other potential contenders for DeSantis’ nomination include Attorney General Ashley Moody and former Florida House Speaker Jose Oliva, also a Cuban-American from Miami.

There is also speculation that DeSantis could appoint his wife, Casey DeSantis, to the seat. Casey DeSantis has long been involved in state government and enjoys great popularity across the state.

With several Republican leaders in the mix, DeSantis’ decision could reshape Florida’s political landscape, especially if he considers the Senate seat itself as part of a longer-term strategy.