Florida Congressman Cory Mills, R-Fla., has officially announced his bid for Senator Marco Rubio’s seat and shared details about a recent call with Governor Ron DeSantis and how he will bring “strong leadership” to the U.S. Senate.
Appearing on Fox & Friends First, Mills revealed that he spent an hour discussing key issues with Gov. DeSantis following his announcement. The wide-ranging conversation touched on immigration policy, border security, economic strategies, judicial appointments, and legislative priorities.
Mills emphasized his alignment with President Donald Trump’s America First platform, noting the importance of building a robust Senate majority to advance conservative policies.
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“President Trump has made it clear that he wants a strong Senate and House to implement his America First agenda,” Mills said. “Florida needs strong leadership, and I’ve expressed my commitment to ensure that we meet those expectations.”
Mills described the call as a productive dialogue, during which Gov. DeSantis and his team posed various questions. According to Mills, the governor praised the interview, calling it “an extremely good discussion” and expressing interest in future conversations.
“Governor DeSantis has done an amazing job in Florida, and I appreciated the opportunity to discuss critical issues like border security, economic growth, and judicial appointments with him,” Mills said.
When asked why he wants to transition from the House of Representatives to the Senate, Mills highlighted the need for new energy and a commitment to constitutional conservatism.
“We need fighters in the Senate—leaders who understand what the country needs right now and are aligned with President Trump’s agenda,” Mills said. “It’s time for fresh perspectives to address the challenges facing Americans, especially as we aim to restore economic stability, secure our borders, and maintain constitutional values.”
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Mills also stressed the importance of maintaining and growing the Senate majority to ensure legislative success.
“Florida deserves a leader who will build on the legacy of Senator Rubio while championing the conservative principles that have made our state a model for the nation,” Mills said.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced last Tuesday that he would take additional time to decide on a replacement for U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, who President-elect Donald Trump has selected to serve as secretary of state.
DeSantis indicated that he will make the appointment around the time of Trump’s inauguration on January 20, ensuring the new senator aligns with his vision for immigration enforcement and federal bureaucracy reform.
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“I think we’ve got a number of great candidates, but I want to make sure that we know what we’re going to get,” DeSantis said during a press appearance in Tampa. The governor previously suggested he would name Rubio’s replacement by early January but has now opted to extend the timeline to make a deliberate choice.
DeSantis emphasized that his appointee must be strong on critical issues, particularly immigration enforcement and cutting federal bureaucracy.
“If I’m appointing you, I want to know that you’re going to be strong on all these issues,” he said. “Then you run in ’26 and get elected on your own. But for these next two years, we want somebody that’s really going to be able to deliver.”
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While Rubio’s term officially runs until 2028, DeSantis’ appointee would only serve until a special election is held in 2026. The decision carries significant weight, as the appointee will play a key role in shaping federal policies over the next two years, particularly on issues central to DeSantis’ agenda.
A number of prominent Florida Republicans are being considered for the appointment, including:
- Attorney General Ashley Moody: Known for her staunch conservative positions and close alignment with DeSantis.
- Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez: A high-profile figure in DeSantis’ administration with experience in state and federal matters.
- State Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa: A rising star in the Florida Legislature with strong military credentials.
- U.S. Rep. Cory Mills, R-FL: A freshman congressman and vocal supporter of DeSantis’ policies.
- James Uthmeier: DeSantis’ chief of staff, who has played a pivotal role in shaping the governor’s administration.
DeSantis underscored the importance of selecting a candidate who aligns with his administration’s priorities. “I can endorse somebody, and they run and win, but if I’m appointing you, I want to know you’re going to be strong on all these issues,” he said. The governor’s remarks suggest he is looking for a candidate who will not only serve as a strong advocate for Florida but also reflect his own policy positions during their tenure.
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