Childhood and Education Journey of Marco Rubio in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Marco Rubio. From birth to education, explore key events.

Marco Rubio is an American politician, attorney, and diplomat who served as the 72nd United States Secretary of State since 2025. As a member of the Republican Party, he represented Florida in the United States Senate from 2011 to 2025. He was a candidate in the 2016 Republican presidential primary elections. During his time as Secretary of State, he has also held acting positions such as National Security Advisor, Archivist of the United States, and Administrator of USAID.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1956: Grandfather's Immigration

In 1956, Marco Rubio's maternal grandfather, Pedro Victor Garcia, immigrated to the U.S. legally.

1956: Parents Immigrated to U.S.

In 1956, Marco Rubio's parents began living in the United States during the regime of Fulgencio Batista.

1956: Parents Left Cuba

In 1956, Marco Rubio's parents left Cuba during the Batista regime.

1959: Grandfather Returned to Cuba

In 1959, Marco Rubio's maternal grandfather returned to Cuba to find work.

1961: Mother's Return Trip to Cuba

In 1961, Marco Rubio's mother made a month-long return trip to Cuba.

1961: Mother Took Siblings to Cuba

In 1961, Marco Rubio's mother took his two elder siblings back to Cuba with the intention of living there permanently.

1962: Grandfather Fled Cuba

In 1962, Marco Rubio's maternal grandfather fled communist Cuba and returned to the U.S. without a visa.

1966: Grandfather's Residency Approved

In 1966, Marco Rubio's grandfather's residency was approved after reapplying for permanent resident status.

May 28, 1971: Marco Rubio's Birth

On May 28, 1971, Marco Antonio Rubio was born.

1971: Birth

In 1971, Marco Antonio Rubio was born in Miami, Florida.

1975: Parents Naturalized as U.S. Citizens

In 1975, Marco Rubio's parents were naturalized as U.S. citizens.

1984: First Communion

In 1984, Marco Rubio received his first communion as a Catholic.

1989: Graduated High School

In 1989, Marco Rubio graduated from South Miami Senior High School.

1993: Earned Bachelor of Arts Degree

In 1993, Marco Rubio earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Florida.

1996: Earned Juris Doctor Degree

In 1996, Marco Rubio earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law.

1998: Rubio Marries Jeanette Dousdebes

In 1998, Marco Rubio married Jeanette Dousdebes, who is also from a Hispanic family. She is a former bank teller and Miami Dolphins cheerleader. Their wedding was held in a Catholic church, the Church of the Little Flower.

September 2001: Fasano Resigned

In September 2001, Mike Fasano resigned as majority leader of the House due to disagreements with the House speaker.

2008: Began Teaching at FIU

After leaving the Florida Legislature in 2008, Marco Rubio began teaching at Florida International University (FIU) as an adjunct professor.

2008: Support for Apology for Slavery

In 2008, Marco Rubio supported apologizing for slavery, highlighting the belief among young African-American males that the American dream was not available to them. He also helped set up a council and supported efforts to promote literacy and mentoring for black children.

2010: House Foreclosure

In 2010, a house Marco Rubio co-owned with David Rivera went into foreclosure after missed mortgage payments. Rubio assumed responsibility for the payments, and the house was eventually sold.

2011: Rejoined FIU Faculty

In 2011, after entering the U.S. Senate, Marco Rubio rejoined the FIU faculty and taught undergraduate courses on Florida politics, political parties, and legislative politics.