Florida GOP Rep. Cory Mills expected to run for Senate in 2026: report

Congressman Cory Mills, R-Fla., is planning a run for the U.S. Senate in 2026 even if he isn't appointed by Florida's Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis to replace Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., according to local reports.

Since Rubio has been nominated to serve as President-elect Donald Trump's Secretary of State and appears on track for confirmation by the Senate, DeSantis has to appoint someone to replace him until a special election in 2026 to fill out the remaining two years of Rubio's term. 

“You can probably guarantee my hat is going to be thrown in the ring for 2026,” Mills told reporters on Saturday, according to Florida Politics.

As of now, Mills has not discussed the possibility with DeSantis. 

DeSantis has said he plans to have his appointment ready by Jan. 20 when Trump's second term will begin.

Republicans have a slight majority in the House for 2025, so it isn't likely that DeSantis will select a member from the House to replace Rubio.