Marco Rubio’s political career began in tiny West Miami; he’s now poised to be a global figure

Trump reportedly seeks to make Florida Senator US secretary of state

WEST MIAMI, Fla. – With news that President-elect Donald Trump is set to select U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio to be the next U.S. secretary of state, the South Florida Republican is poised to be fourth in line to the presidency — after beginning his career on the dais in the tiny suburb of West Miami.

Rubio was elected as a West Miami city commissioner in 1998 before jumping to the Florida House of Representatives two years later, a position that would eventually lead him to the top of the chamber as speaker, putting him in position to be elected to the U.S. Senate in 2010.

Workers in the city of about 7,000 people said they always knew Rubio, 53, was destined for bigger things.

“I thought he was going to be president,” Ralph Montes De Oca, West Miami’s water and sewer supervisor, told Local 10 News. “I was hoping.”

Gaby Lopez, the chief of staff to the city’s mayor, said “his legacy lives throughout the city.”

Rubio, a young, telegenic, Cuban conservative, would be hailed by Time Magazine as the “Republican Savior” and become a leading hardline voice against U.S. adversaries, socialist dictators in Latin America, and, more recently, rising communist China.

Despite advice of “too soon,” Rubio became a presidential hopeful. That was 2016, the year Donald Trump brought his brand to voters and humbled his rivals.

Rubio took him on. He tried on Trump tactics, referencing his “small hands,” and then reversed course, apologizing for his remarks.

The Rubio rebound in Trumpworld is full circle. He’s a trusted aide on Latin America and a fiery supporter at rallies.

He was on the shortlist for vice president and now stands at the top of the list to be the nation’s top ambassador.


About the Authors
Glenna Milberg headshot

Glenna Milberg joined Local 10 News in September 1999 to report on South Florida's top stories and community issues. She also serves as co-host on Local 10's public affairs broadcast, "This Week in South Florida."

Chris Gothner headshot

Chris Gothner joined the Local 10 News team in 2022 as a Digital Journalist.

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