As Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis prepares to choose a successor for outgoing Sen. Marco Rubio, his focus has intensified on conservative credentials and stringent immigration policies.

DeSantis is poised to select a replacement for Rubio, who was recently nominated for the position of secretary of State in the incoming Trump administration, as Breitbart reports.

Following the president-elect's choice of Rubio to serve as secretary of State, DeSantis has initiated the process to find the senator's replacement.

DeSantis emphasized that the selection process is attracting considerable interest from potential candidates.

He outlined the primary qualities sought in Rubio’s successor, including a strong stance on immigration, border security, and fiscal conservatism.

Trump formally announced Rubio’s nomination last week, lauding him as a dedicated leader and advocate for freedom and American interests.

Extensive Candidate Vetting and Interviews Scheduled

With the approaching vacancy, DeSantis has disclosed plans for a comprehensive vetting and interview process. This will occur over the next few weeks, with a decision expected by early January.

"And we continue to gather names of additional candidates and conduct preliminary vetting. More extensive vetting and candidate interviews will be conducted over the next few weeks, with a selection likely made by the beginning of January," DeSantis stated.

Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd has been tasked with planning and announcing the schedule for the upcoming special elections needed to fill the Senate vacancy and other positions influenced by the Trump administration picks.

Florida's New Senator to Champion Trump's Agenda

"Florida deserves a Senator who will help President Trump deliver on his election mandate, be strong on immigration and border security, take on the entrenched bureaucracy and administrative state, reverse the nation’s fiscal decline, be animated by conservative principles, and has a proven record of results," DeSantis elaborated.

Rubio, in expressing his gratitude for the nomination, committed to promoting Trump's foreign policy vision of "peace through strength" and prioritizing American interests and security.

DeSantis also congratulated other Florida politicians like former Rep. Matt Gaetz and Rep. Mike Walz on their new roles within the Trump administration, indicating a significant reshaping of Florida’s political landscape.

Speculations and Considerations for Rubio’s Successor

While the vetting process is still underway, speculation about potential candidates includes high-profile names from Florida's political arena. Lara Trump, among others, has been mentioned as a possible contender.

"If this is something I am asked to do, I would seriously consider it, but I have yet to hear from Gov. DeSantis. So we’ll see what happens," said Lara Trump, indicating potential interest in the Senate seat.

This significant political shift comes at a time when the Republican Party seeks to strengthen its hold in the Senate, emphasizing robust leadership and adherence to core conservative values.

Implications for Florida, National Politics

The selection of Rubio’s replacement by DeSantis is not merely a procedural necessity but a strategic move that could influence Florida's political alignment and national legislative agenda.

The new senator will be crucial in supporting the Trump administration's policies, particularly those related to immigration and border security, which have been central themes of Trump's presidency and campaign.

As the process unfolds, all eyes will be on DeSantis’ choice, which is poised to have long-lasting impacts on the state and national political dynamics.