WASHINGTON -- Former Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio announced Wednesday that he will run for re-election to represent Florida in the U.S. Senate, reversing his plans under pressure from GOP leaders.
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"In politics, admitting you've changed your mind is not something most people like to do. But here it goes," Rubio said. "I have decided to seek re-election to the United States Senate."
The 45-year-old first-term senator repeatedly had described his frustration with the slow-moving Senate and had been expected to enter the private sector and prepare for another presidential run in 2020. But he had been rethinking his plans, particularly after the massacre in Orlando, Fla., and was facing a pressure campaign led by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
With Republicans at risk of losing their slim Senate majority in November's elections, GOP leaders were concerned that the Republican candidates who emerged for Rubio's seat were not up to the task of winning a state like Florida in a presidential election year. Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump had gotten into the act, tweeting his encouragement to Rubio, whom he dubbed "Little Marco" during the presidential race, to run for re-election.
"Control of the Senate may very well come down to the race in Florida," Rubio said, adding that the outcome also could determine the makeup of the Supreme Court and critical fiscal and economic policies. "The stakes for our nation could not be higher."
Rubio also said that "No matter who is elected president, there is reason for worry." After criticizing Democrat Hillary Clinton, Rubio went on to describe his disagreements with Trump, saying that "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," he said.
The deadline to file for Rubio's Senate seat is Friday.
Republican leaders welcomed the news. "While Marco is already in a strong position to win, Democrats are currently locked in a bruising primary that will produce a weak nominee and cost millions of dollars," said Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
Two Republicans planning to run in the Aug. 30 primary -- Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera and Rep. Ron DeSantis -- bowed out Wednesday after hearing Rubio's news. A third, Rep. David Jolly, already had done so.
But two wealthy first-time candidates, businessman Todd Wilcox and developer Carlos Beruff, remained in the race.
Democratic leaders' preferred candidate is Rep. Patrick Murphy, but Murphy must first get through a primary against Rep. Alan Grayson.
Rubio declined to rule out another presidential run.
"I'm done making these unequivocal statements about what I will or won't do," he said. But he added that he was running for re-election fully intending to try to return to the Senate to make it a more productive place.
Information for this article was contributed by Brendan Farrington of The Associated Press.
A Section on 06/23/2016