Former President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he is backing his old rival U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., for a third term in 2022.
Trump offered Rubio, who he beat in the 2016 Republican presidential primaries, his endorsement.
“It is my honor to give U.S. Senator Marco Rubio my complete and total endorsement,” Trump announced. “Marco has been a tireless advocate for the people of Florida, fighting to cut taxes, supporting our Second Amendment, our military and our vets, a strong national defense, and all of the forgotten men and women of America. Marco worked with me to reform the VA and help our small businesses grow, and with his help, we achieved the lowest ever unemployment for women, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and almost all Americans. Together, we worked closely with the Cuban and Venezuelan communities, and have made great progress. He also ruled that ‘President Trump was in no way involved with Russia,’ as he presided over the Senate Intelligence Committee on the fake Russia, Russia, Russia hoax. Marco will never let the great people of Florida, or our country, down!”
Rubio, who was first elected to the Senate in 2010, responded on Friday morning.
“I am grateful for President Trump’s endorsement and his leadership on the major issues facing our nation, including the threat from China and the need to bring good jobs back to America,” Rubio said. “Democrats are trying to undo everything we accomplished over the past four years, but I will continue to fight for the forgotten men and women of this country and deliver results for hard-working Florida families.”
While there had been talk about a conservative challenge to Rubio in the primaries in 2022–including buzz that Ivanka Trump though she ended it two months ago–Trump’s endorsement should ensure he will not face a major Republican challenge.
Former U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Fla., filed to run against Rubio at the end of last month. Other possible Democratic candidates include U.S. Reps. Charlie Crist, Val Demings and Stephanie Murphy and former U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. Former U.S. Rep. David Jolly, R-Fla., could run as an independent or on a minor party line.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
