Marco Rubio is an American politician and lawyer who has served as the senior United States Senator from Florida since 2011. A prominent member of the Republican Party, Rubio’s political career began with his election to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000. He swiftly rose through the ranks, becoming Speaker of the Florida House from 2006 to 2008. Following his tenure in state politics, Rubio spent time teaching at Florida International University before embarking on a national political career.
In 2010, Rubio was elected to the U.S. Senate in a competitive three-way race. His profile grew nationally when he launched a bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2015. Although his campaign ultimately fell short, he secured primary victories in Minnesota, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. After suspending his presidential bid in March 2016, Rubio returned to his Senate seat and won re-election.
Rubio’s tenure in the Senate has been marked by significant involvement in shaping U.S. policy on Latin America, earning him the moniker of a “virtual secretary of state for Latin America” during the Trump administration. Despite his initial criticisms of Donald Trump during the 2016 Republican primaries, Rubio endorsed Trump in the general election and has largely supported his presidency.
Born in Miami, Florida, Rubio earned his Bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law. He married Jeanette Dousdebes in 1998, and they have four children. Rubio and his family reside in West Miami.
