CBS News Miami
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) – Dozens of candidates formally stepped into races for state offices across Florida on Monday, but the most closely watched possible campaigner remained silent about his plans.
The first day of qualifying ended without any definitive word from U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio about whether he would seek re-election. Rubio, who lost the Republican presidential primary in Florida as real estate mogul Donald Trump romped to the GOP nomination, had previously ruled out a second term but has faced widespread speculation about a possible re-election bid as this week’s qualifying period neared.
Three of his would-be opponents have already qualified, with businessmen Carlos Beruff and Todd Wilcox officially stepping into the race on the GOP side and Democratic Congressman Patrick Murphy adding his name to the list. Republican Congressman David Jolly announced Friday he will leave the Senate race to seek another term in the U.S. House, but fellow GOP Congressman Ron DeSantis and Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez Cantera — a close friend of Rubio’s — appear to be waiting on the incumbent’s decision.
Candidates have until noon Friday to qualify.