Sen. Marco Rubio dismissed questions Monday over whether he would succumb to pressure from Washington and run for reelection in Florida, signaling he still plans to leave the chamber at year’s end.
“Nothing’s changed,” Rubio told CNN when asked if he would run for reelection.
Asked if there was any way he would be on the ballot this year, Rubio reiterated: “Nothing’s changed from the last time I’ve spoken to you about this.”
Rubio’s comments come after spending time back in Florida during a week-long Memorial Day recess. Shortly before the recess, Rubio faced growing pressure from party leaders for him to reconsider his decision and run for reelection because top Republicans fear their crop of candidates are too weak and underfunded and could cost the party a critical Senate seat in the battle for control in the chamber.
Rubio has said that he’s unlikely to run so long as his close friend, Florida Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, remains in the Senate race. Lopez-Cantera has suggested that he’s not dropping out.
Still, top Republicans are hopeful there’s time for Rubio to change his mind before the June 24 filing deadline.
