Rubio, in his third term in the U.S. Senate, has been steeped in intelligence matters and promises a pro-active posture regarding threats from China, Russia, Iran, and their allies. He was short listed for Vice President, but ultimately the hurdle of having two members of the ticket from the same state seemed to be a deal breaker for Trump.

If Senator Marco Rubio becomes secretary of state, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida will choose his replacement. Some lawmakers are pushing for the president-elect’s daughter-in-law.