Opinion: The 6 Florida men who could own the GOP’s future

“’Florida Man’ is notorious,” screamed the 2022 Washington Post headline describing a “figure of indulgence, decadence, and questionable decisions.” News accounts of outrageous, hilarious or criminal acts sustain this universal meme.

The futures of six Florida men are discussed below, and you can decide whether the “Florida Man” meme is applicable. All six are mega-MAGA power-hungry, focused on winning their next big job. The two senators, two representatives and one governor are engaged in a high-stakes game of trying to please and appease their leader—former and perhaps future President Trump. We begin at the top of the pyramid.

Donald J. Trump: Age 78 — the 45th president of the United States was elected in 2016 and defeated in 2020. He easily won the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.

After surviving a July 13 assassination attempt, Trump said he “took a bullet for democracy.’ ’ Whether or not you agree with that passion-packed statement, it will echo throughout presidential history if Trump is reelected. Moreover, his power to appoint and endorse will lord over these five other Florida men’s dreams and career paths.

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) : Age 71 — elected in 2018 and running for reelection. He was governor of Florida from 2011 to 2019.

In November, Florida’s junior senator should sail to reelection. Meanwhile, Scott covets the “Senate Majority Leader” title if Republicans win control. A Trump presidential victory practically ensures a Senate sweep, enhancing Scott’s chances of succeeding retiring Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) — an enemy of Trump and Scott.

Scott first tried and failed to unseat Leader McConnell after the 2022 midterm elections, losing a 36 to 10 vote despite Trump’s behind-the-scenes backing. If victorious, count on President Trump to apply pressure until his man Scott is elected Senate majority leader.

Suppose Trump is defeated but Republicans win Senate control. In that case, Scott is less likely to become majority leader, probably losing to long-time frontrunners Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) or John Cornyn (R-Texas). Scott’s destiny to succeed McConnell is tied to Trump’s fate — circumstances Trump relishes for payback.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.): Age 53 — elected in 2010. After Rubio collapsed as a presidential primary candidate in 2016, he was reelected to the Senate and again in 2022. Recently, Rubio was a Trump vice presidential finalist , losing to Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio).

Should Trump win and deliver a GOP-controlled Senate, career advancement for Rubio is in the offing. He is vice chair of the powerful Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and would move to chairman. Still, Florida’s senior senator has long been itching to leave the upper chamber. An October 2015 Washington Post article quoted Rubio telling a friend that he “hate[s]” the Senate. Then, in May 2016, Rubio said he was “frustrated” and that “hate was not the right word.”

Therefore, despite his failed 2016 presidential campaign — having grown in national stature after nearly 14 years in the Senate — Rubio is ready for a new title if Trump extends an offer . Supposedly, Rubio is a top contender for secretary of State . Such a prestigious post could enhance his dream of becoming the first Hispanic president —with decades left to achieve that goal. In the 2048 presidential election year, Rubio would be 77, younger than 78-year-old Trump.

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R): Age 45 — narrowly elected in 2018. When reelected in 2022 with a 19-point margin of victory, DeSantis was considered “DeFuture” of the Republican Party. Then, high expectations and his lackluster 2024 presidential primary campaign produced a career low point. Crushed by Trump, DeSantis continued unabated as the powerful governor of the third-most populous state.

Young and ambitious, DeSantis’s next career move will be determined by two “ifs.” If Trump wins and if Sen. Rubio joins his administration, a vacant Senate seat will need an occupant until the 2026 midterm election. There are no rules to keep DeSantis from appointing himself, but a long-term strategy is more advantageous.

Due to term limits, DeSantis will leave office in early January 2027, which means he could appoint a placeholder senator who agrees not to run in 2026. Then, as the incumbent governor, DeSantis could launch his Senate campaign — a playbook successfully used in 2018 by then-Gov. Rick Scott, now Sen. Rick Scott. As a senator, DeSantis could mature into a national statesman and, as far out as 2056, at age 78, he could run for president like the 2024 GOP presidential nominee.

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.): Age 42 — elected in 2016. He is a controversial, legally and ethically challenged Trump cheerleader.

From the Republican National Convention stage, Gaetz roared , “We ride or die with Donald Trump to the end.” Equally valid but unsaid by Gaetz is “I ride or die with Trump,” since he is strapped to Trump’s right wing. Gaetz usually does the former president’s bidding in the House, but questions remain about whether Trump supported Gaetz’s effort to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.)

Never humble, Gaetz said in June, “I’m trying to reshape the House in my image.” Could he reshape himself as a future House Speaker? If Trump wins and Republicans keep the House, anything is possible for this native Florida man.

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.): Age 45 — elected in 2020.

Donalds is an African American-born New Yorker who attended college in Florida and never left. He is a “MAGA-phone” acolyte for Trump, who teased Donalds with the VP slot. However, the congressman’s real future is if Trump wins the White House and, in 2026, endorses Donalds as the successor to Gov. Ron DeSantis. Byron Donalds also “rides or dies” with The Donald.

Brace yourself because these Florida men also have a “sister” — Judge Aileen Cannon . After she dismissed Trump’s Mar-a-Lago documents case, Gaetz tweeted her photo with the caption “Future Supreme Court Justice Cannon.”

All the Florida men and their supreme sister eagerly await King Trump’s coronation.

Myra Adams served on the creative team of two Republican presidential campaigns, in 2004 and 2008.

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