Lara Trump pulls name from consideration for Florida’s U.S. Senate seat

Lara Trump says she is removing her name from consideration for the U.S. Senate seat that is currently held by Sen. Marco Rubio, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of state.

Ms. Trump, Mr. Trump’s daughter-in-law, recently stepped down as co-chair of the Republican National Committee amid speculation that she was eyeing the Senate seat. On Saturday, she said she would remove her name from consideration.

“After an incredible amount of thought, contemplation and encouragement from so many, I have decided to remove my name from consideration from the United States Senate,” Ms. Trump posted Saturday evening.

“I could not have been more honored to serve as RNC co-chair during the most high-stakes election of our lifetime and I’m truly humbled by the unbelievable support shown to me by the people of our country and here in the great state of Florida. I have read so many of your kind messages and I cannot thank you enough,” she said.

She also said she has a “big announcement” that she will announce in January.

“I remain incredibly passionate about public service and look forward to serving our country again sometime in the future,” Ms. Trump said. “In the meantime, I wish Governor DeSantis the best luck with this appointment.”

Florida’s U.S. Senate seat will be open if Mr. Rubio, Florida Republican, is confirmed by the Senate to be secretary of state and steps down. Ms. Trump was quickly floated as a replacement for Mr. Rubio.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, can appoint someone to replace Mr. Rubio until 2026, when a special election will be held.

Ms. Trump, who is married to the president-elect’s son Eric, said earlier this month that leading the RNC was “the honor” of her life.

“At the RNC, we had three distinct goals: 1) surpass all fundraising records 2) build the largest army of lawyers and poll watchers to ensure election integrity and, 3) turn out millions of Americans and low prepencity voters during early voting. We accomplished all three,” she posted on X. “The job I came to do is now complete and I intend to formally step down from the RNC at our next meeting.”

She had previously told The Associated Press that becoming Florida’s senator “is something I would seriously consider.”

She was elected co-chair of the RNC along with Michael Whatley in March. Donald Trump praised the work she and Mr. Whatley did as the lead duo of the RNC when he threw support behind Mr. Whatley for staying on for another term.

“Michael and Lara transformed the RNC into a lean, focused, and powerful machine that will empower the America First Agenda for many years to come,” Mr. Trump said.

Ms. Trump told the AP that she was proud of what she had done as co-chair.

“With that big win, I kind of feel like my time is up,” she said. “What I intended to do has been done.”