Lara Trump says she's removed her name from contention to be Florida's senator

Lara Trump, President-elect Donald Trump's daughter-in-law, said on Saturday that she decided to remove her name from consideration to be a senator in Florida.

The announcement quashed speculation that she was interested in replacing Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who Trump wants to serve as secretary of state.

"After an incredible amount of thought, contemplation, and encouragement from so many, I have decided to remove my name from consideration for the United States Senate," Lara Trump said in a post to X.

She went on to tease a "big announcement" that she would share in January.

"I remain incredibly passionate about public service and look forward to serving our country again sometime in the future," she added. "In the meantime, I wish Governor DeSantis the best of luck with this appointment."

Earlier this month, she announced that she would step down as co-chair of the Republican National Convention. She previously ascended to the role in March.

Trump, who is married to the president-elect’s son Eric, reiterated in her post that she "could not have been more honored to serve as RNC co-chair," adding that she was "truly humbled by the unbelievable support shown to me by the people of our country, and here in the great state of Florida."

If Rubio is confirmed by the Senate to serve as secretary of state, his seat will become vacant. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has previously said that his team would likely make a selection for who fills Rubio's seat by the beginning of January.

"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 said in a November post to X after Trump tapped Rubio.

Even while at the RNC, Lara Trump had previously expressed openness to working in another position, fueling speculation that the Senate slot could become hers.

"If I am tapped to serve in another capacity, it truly would be my honor. I have not been asked yet, but I certainly would strongly consider it if it is presented to me," she told Fox News in November.