U.S. Rep. Cory Mills, a Republican from New Smyrna Beach, is making headlines with his announcement about the upcoming 2026 U.S. Senate race.
Florida Politics reported that Mills plans to pursue the Senate seat even if Florida Governor Ron DeSantis does not appoint him to fill the vacancy left by Marco Rubio.
Florida's political landscape is shifting as Rubio prepares to leave his Senate position to assume the role of Secretary of State, appointed by President-elect Donald Trump.
This change comes as part of Trump's newly elected administration, which has nominated Rubio for the prominent diplomatic position.
Due to Rubio’s impending move to serve the nation in a new capacity, Governor DeSantis is tasked with selecting an interim senator to occupy the seat.
Cory Mills, without hesitation, expressed his aspiration to challenge for the Senate seat in 2026, a race that will determine who completes Rubio's original term ending in 2028.
Despite not engaging in discussions with Governor DeSantis regarding a temporary Senate appointment, Mills remains steadfast in his intentions, stating there is a high probability that he will enter the race.
In an environment where the Republican Party holds a narrow lead in the U.S. House with 219 seats, Mills is contemplating different avenues to heighten his effectiveness.
He believes that achieving substantial political impact might require transitioning to the Senate if the current House dynamics impede that potential. Mills emphasized his resolve to make good on campaign commitments and his desire to take action wherever feasible.
"You can probably guarantee my hat is going to be thrown in the ring for 2026," Mills asserted, highlighting his readiness to vie for the Senate seat as part of fulfilling his broader political ambitions.
As Rubio moves forward with his likely confirmation, the necessity of identifying a temporary successor is imperative for Florida. Governor DeSantis is poised to appoint an interim senator once Trump officially assumes office later this month on January 20.
While Governor DeSantis has kept his choice under wraps, he has explicitly stated that he will not be considering himself as a candidate for the Senate role, making it clear where his focus lies.
With the political spotlight on him, DeSantis appears to lean towards selecting a qualified candidate outside of the existing Florida U.S. House members to reduce any potential impact on their slim majority in the House. Given the strategic significance of maintaining legislative strength, his selection process remains a critical focal point.
The appointment is eagerly anticipated by political analysts and constituents alike, as it will not only shape the immediate political scenario but could also influence the makeup of candidates for the forthcoming 2026 election. With such a pivotal role up for grabs, speculation continues over who might be chosen to represent Florida temporarily on the Senate floor.
"My whole purpose is being (as) effective as possible," Mills reiterated, reflecting his commitment to leveraging available opportunities within any legislative capacity that allows him to execute his policy initiatives effectively.
Governor DeSantis's decision will play a considerable part in defining the state's political arena, influencing the strategies and plans of not only Cory Mills but other potential candidates who see a viable path in the 2026 election cycle.
The interim appointment and the following election will be crucial markers for determining the Republican Party's strategic direction as it navigates the current thin majority in Congress. Representative Mills’s firm stance on candidacy marks the beginning of campaign momentum that will crescendo towards the 2026 election.
This evolving narrative centers on the intricate political dynamics between established politicians and aspiring candidates, offering plenty to ponder for those invested in Florida politics.
