Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of newly elected President Donald Trump, said on Saturday that she has decided to withdraw her name as a senator in Florida.
The announcement quashed speculation that she was interested in replacing Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who Trump wants to serve as secretary of state.
“After an incredible amount of thought, contemplation, and encouragement from so many, I have decided to remove my name from consideration for the United States Senate,” Lara Trump said in a message to X.
She then teased a “big announcement” she would share in January.
“I remain incredibly passionate about public service and look forward to serving our country again at some point in the future,” she added. “In the meantime, I wish Governor DeSantis the best of luck with this appointment.”
Earlier this month, she announced she would step down as co-chair of the Republican National Convention. She rose to the role earlier in March.
Trump, who is married to the president-elect’s son Eric, reiterated in her post that she “couldn’t have been more honored to serve as co-chair of the RNC,” adding that she was “truly humbled by the incredible support which was shown to me by the people of our country, and here in the great state of Florida.”
If Rubio is confirmed by the Senate as secretary of state, his seat will become vacant. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has previously said his team will likely make a selection in early January for who will fill Rubio’s seat.
“Florida deserves a senator who will help President Trump deliver on his electoral mandate, be strong on immigration and border security, take on the entrenched bureaucracy and administrative state, reverse the nation’s budget decline, inspire is guided by conservative principles and has a proven track record. of results,” DeSantis said in a November message to X after Trump touched Rubio.
Even while working at the RNC, Lara Trump had previously indicated she was open to another position, fueling speculation that the Senate seat could become hers.
“If I were asked to serve in another capacity, it would truly be my honor. I haven’t been asked yet, but I would definitely consider it if presented to me,” she told Fox News in November.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
