Marco Rubio announced Wednesday he is jumping into the race for the Senate seat in Florida he was planning to vacate. The failed GOP presidential candidate cites his concern that Hillary Clinton will be Donald Trump in the general election, and his worries about what kind of president Trump would be should he win.
"The prospect of a Trump presidency is also worrisome to me. It is no secret that I have significant disagreements with Donald Trump. His positions on many key issues are still unknown. And some of his statements, especially about women and minorities, I find not just offensive but unacceptable. If he is elected, we will need Senators willing to encourage him in the right direction, and if necessary, stand up to him. I've proven a willingness to do both."
Rubio's decision comes several months after he dropped out of the Republican presidential race after losing his home state to Donald Trump.
I am running for reelection to the United States Senate. Read my full statement here: https://t.co/yjmrhnqiOq
-- Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 22, 2016
Rubio cited the possibility that the next Senate will be asked to confirm severe Supreme Court appointments during a Clinton presidency, making control of the senate vital for conservatives.
"Control of the Senate may very well come down to the race in Florida. That means the future of the Supreme Court will be determined by the Florida Senate seat. It means the future of the disastrous Iran nuclear deal will be determined by the Florida Senate seat. It means the direction of our country's fiscal and economic policies will be determined by this Senate seat. The stakes for our nation could not be higher."
This was a decision made not in DC, but back home in West Miami over Father's Day weekend, w/ my wife & our 4 children.
-- Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 22, 2016
