Lara Trump announces she has withdrawn her name from consideration for Florida's Senate seat.

 The daughter-in-law of the president-elect also hinted at a "big announcement" that she plans to reveal in January.

Dec. 22, 2024, 5:39 AM GMT+6

Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, announced on Saturday that she has decided to withdraw her name from consideration for a U.S. Senate seat in Florida.

Her decision put an end to speculation that she might replace Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., should Trump select him to be secretary of state.

"After a great deal of thought, reflection, and encouragement from many, I have decided to remove my name from consideration for the United States Senate," Lara Trump shared in a post on X.

She also teased a “big announcement” coming in January.

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

Earlier this month, Lara Trump revealed she would step down as co-chair of the Republican National Convention (RNC), a role she had assumed in March. In her statement, she expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, saying, "I could not have been more honored to serve as RNC co-chair," and she was "truly humbled by the incredible support shown to me by the people of our country, and here in the great state of Florida."

If Rubio is confirmed as secretary of state, his Senate seat will become vacant. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has indicated that his team would likely make a decision on filling the seat by early January.

"Florida deserves a Senator who will help President Trump fulfill his mandate, be strong on immigration and border security, take on the entrenched bureaucracy, reverse the nation's fiscal decline, and champion conservative principles with a proven record of results," DeSantis said in a November post on X after Trump selected Rubio.

While serving as RNC co-chair, Lara Trump had previously hinted at being open to taking on a different role, which fueled speculation that she might seek the Senate seat.

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