Lara Trump resigned as Republican National Committee co-chair Sunday, fueling a firestorm of speculation about her potential appointment to Florida’s vacant Senate seat as allies push for her selection.
Trump, 42, said her mission was accomplished in her departure announcement on X. He highlighter her achievements in fundraising, election integrity, and voter turnout during her nine-month tenure at the top of the RNC.
Sen. Marco Rubio’s selection as President-elect Donald Trump’s Secretary of State nominee created a vacancy for a critical Florida senate seat. Trump and her famous father-in-law, President-elect Donald Trump, both reside in Florida.
“With that big win, I kind of feel like my time is up,” she said. “What I intended to do has been done.”
Serving as the @GOP co-chair throughout the course of the most consequential election in American history has truly been the honor of my life.
At the RNC, we had three distinct goals:
1) surpass all fundraising records
2) build the largest army of lawyers and poll watchers… pic.twitter.com/bcHdDHhwQq
— Lara Trump (@LaraLeaTrump) December 9, 2024
Speaking to Fox News’ Howard Kurtz, Lara Trump addressed speculation about the Senate appointment.
“Some may say it’s an asset, some may say it’s not an asset,” referring to her family name. “I think probably my last name does tighten my political profile a little bit, but I’ve got a proven track record.”
The potential appointment has garnered high-profile support, including from Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his mother, Maye Musk, who advocated for younger female representation in the “old man’s club” Senate.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said he would be “over-the-top excited” about her selection, and said Republicans “could not do better.”
“I would love to serve the people of Florida,” Lara Trump told Sean Hannity last month, noting her family’s three-year residency in the state. In a more measured response to The Associated Press, she added, “If I’m being completely transparent, I don’t know exactly what that would look like… But yeah, I would 100% consider it.”
The appointment decision ultimately rests with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who reportedly plans to announce his choice by early January following “extensive vetting and candidate interviews.”
The appointee would serve until 2026, when Rubio’s term ends.
DeSantis’s decision carries additional intrigue as he is reportedly under consideration to replace Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary nominee in the incoming Trump administration, should Hegseth not be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
Michael Whatley will continue in his role as RNC co-chairman following Trump’s departure.