Staff Reports
If President-elect Donald Trump makes the bold move of selecting Governor Ron DeSantis as his next Secretary of Defense instead of Pete Hegseth, it’s sure to send shockwaves through the Florida political landscape as candidates scramble to position themselves for the 2026 gubernatorial race. Hegseth’s future hangs in the balance, as questions swirl about his past behavior with women and booze—nothing like a little salacious gossip to stir the pot in D.C. That said, rumors have it that Trump is eyeing DeSantis as a potential replacement.
Despite his nomination facing scrutiny, Hegseth isn’t throwing in the towel just yet. He claims to be in good spirits after a pep talk with the president-elect, insisting that he’ll keep fighting for his spot. However, the worry is that if DeSantis takes the lead at the Pentagon, Florida’s political scene will resemble a chaotic game of musical chairs, where only the most cunning (or lucky) emerge victorious.
Analysts think DeSantis’ ascent to military superman could ignite a firestorm of political maneuvering. Florida’s Lieutenant Governor, Jeanette Núñez, would become the state’s chief executive under current law, instantly making her a player as the incumbent candidate in 2026. The potential history of breaking the glass ceiling as Florida’s first female governor might give her the edge, but she won’t be the only name in the hat. A galaxy of candidates, including former Representative Matt Gaetz and rising star Byron Donalds, may also join the fray, making it a competitive circus.
Núñez may seem like the front-runner, but some political insiders have pointed out that the competition in Florida’s Republican bench runs deep. If someone like Byron Donalds opts to run, the political chess match could quickly shift in his favor. Speculations are even buzzing about former Governor Rick Scott potentially reviving his political career, adding yet another layer of complexity to an already loaded equation.
Possible DeSantis elevation to Trump’s defense secretary would upend Florida’s gubernatorial race https://t.co/rLBftma8oa
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) December 5, 2024
What’s more, DeSantis is already mapping out plans for filling Marco Rubio’s soon-to-be-vacant Senate seat, should Trump elevate him to the Secretary of Defense role. Speculation surrounds Lara Trump, the president-elect’s daughter-in-law and key RNC player, as a potential successor to Rubio. She’d have her work cut out for her but would be stepping into a role that could keep her family’s political legacy alive. Placing DeSantis at Defense might serve to keep him relevant for a future presidential bid, especially if he finds himself in a skirmish against Vice President-elect J.D. Vance down the line.
As Florida’s political landscape swirls with potential candidates and office seekers, it’s clear that every move matters. With no lack of ambition in the Sunshine State, whoever emerges from the chaos could redefine the trajectory of Florida politics. Meanwhile, Trump is already rallying support behind candidates like Jimmy Patronis, who’s set to replace Gaetz after his impending resignation. Trump’s familiar rallying cry of fighting for the American worker, securing borders, and bolstering the military may resonate with voters who are hungry for leadership that prioritizes these values. It’s a high-stakes game of political strategies, and as always, in the world of Trump, things are never dull.
