TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida is emerging as a political pipeline for President-Elect Donald Trump, a place where the incoming president is finding new administrators and advisors to spearhead his second presidential term.

What You Need To Know

  • Two high profile Floridians are invited to join Trump’s new administration

  • U.S. Senator Marco Rubio is on the shortlist to become Secretary of State

  • U.S. Senator Rick Scott is vying to become Senate Majority Leader

  • If Rubio goes, it may force Gov. Ron DeSantis to name a new U.S. Senator

A Florida political operative and Trump’s former campaign manager, Trump named Susie Wiles as the next White House Chief of Staff. In doing so, Wiles will become the first female to hold the title.

“Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history, and was an integral part of both my 2016 and 2020 successful campaigns,” said Trump in a statement.

Trump is also tapping Florida Rep. Mike Waltz to lead as the administration’s national security advisor. A former green beret, Waltz, is a seasoned and experienced military veteran boasting multiple combat tours.

“Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy Agenda, and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength,” said Trump in a statement.

Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., is reportedly on Trump’s shortlist to become Secretary of State. A longtime senator, Rubio serves as vice chair of the Senate’s Select Committee on Intelligence. He also sits on the Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee.

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., is also vying for a leadership in the Senate, seeking Trump’s endorsement to replace outgoing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Scott previously served as Florida Governor.

“All the choices that he’s made from Florida are considered to be solid choices,” said UCF Political Science Professor Aubrey Jewett. “They are people with experience, people that can work with President Trump, that support the President and his goals.”

Trump’s picks out in Florida will impact the state’s politics. Gov. Ron DeSantis will need to call a special election to replace Waltz. If Rubio becomes Secretary of State, DeSantis will also need to appoint a replacement.