History of Marco Rubio in Timeline
Marco Rubio is a Republican politician who has served as the senior U.S. Senator from Florida since 2011. Previously, he was the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2008. In 2016, he ran for the Republican presidential nomination, winning primaries in Minnesota, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, but ultimately losing the nomination.
1956: Parents Immigrated to the United States
Marco Rubio's parents, Mario Rubio Reina and Oriales (née Garcia) Rubio, immigrated to the United States from Cuba in 1956 during the regime of Fulgencio Batista.
1959: Grandfather Returns to Cuba for Work
Marco Rubio's maternal grandfather, Pedro Victor Garcia, returned to Cuba in 1959 to find work.
1959: Rubio Incorrectly Claims Parents Left Cuba This Year
Marco Rubio has repeatedly and incorrectly claimed that his parents were forced to leave Cuba in 1959 after Fidel Castro came to power.
1961: Rubio's Mother Returns to Cuba
Marco Rubio's mother made a month-long trip back to Cuba in 1961.
1962: Grandfather Flees Cuba, Detained in U.S.
In 1962, Marco Rubio's grandfather fled communist Cuba and returned to the U.S. without a visa. He was detained as an undocumented immigrant and nearly deported.
1966: Grandfather's Residency Approved
In 1966, following the passage of the Cuban Adjustment Act, Marco Rubio's grandfather was approved for permanent resident status in the United States.
May 28, 1971: Birth of Marco Rubio
Marco Antonio Rubio was born on May 28, 1971, in Miami, Florida.
1975: Rubio's Parents Become U.S. Citizens
In 1975, Marco Rubio's parents were naturalized as U.S. citizens.
1984: Rubio Receives First Communion as a Catholic
In 1984, Marco Rubio received his First Communion in the Catholic Church.
1989: Rubio Graduates High School
In 1989, Marco Rubio graduated from South Miami Senior High School.
1993: Rubio Earns Bachelor's Degree in Political Science
Marco Rubio earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Florida in 1993.
1996: Rubio Earns Juris Doctor from University of Miami
Marco Rubio earned his Juris Doctor cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law in 1996.
1996: Worked on Bob Dole's Presidential Campaign
Marco Rubio worked on Republican senator Bob Dole's 1996 presidential campaign.
April 1998: Elected City Commissioner for West Miami
In April 1998, Marco Rubio was elected to a seat as city commissioner for West Miami.
1998: Marriage to Jeanette Dousdebes
Rubio married Jeanette Dousdebes, a former bank teller and Miami Dolphins cheerleader, in a Catholic ceremony in 1998.
December 14, 1999: Places Second in Republican Primary
On December 14, 1999, Marco Rubio placed second in the Republican primary.
1999: Special Election Called for 111th House District
A special election was called in late 1999 to fill the seat for the 111th House District in the Florida House of Representatives, representing Miami.
January 2000: Rubio's Entry into Florida Legislature and Term Limit Advantage
In January 2000, Marco Rubio began his term in the Florida Legislature following a special election. This period coincided with the implementation of new term limits, leading to opportunities for advancement as senior incumbents retired. Rubio's early swearing-in gave him a strategic advantage in joining the GOP leadership.
January 25, 2000: Won Special Election for 111th House District
Marco Rubio won the special election for the 111th House District on January 25, 2000, defeating Democrat Anastasia Garcia.
November 2000: Re-elected to the Florida House of Representatives Unopposed
In November 2000, Marco Rubio was reelected to the Florida House of Representatives unopposed.
2000: Rubio Appointed as Florida House Majority Whip
In 2000, Rubio was appointed as one of two majority whips in the Florida House. Unlike the traditional approach of the position, which often involved pressuring legislators, Rubio adopted a persuasive approach, focusing on building consensus and gaining support for legislative agendas.
2000: Became a Member of the Florida House of Representatives
Marco Rubio became a member of the Florida House of Representatives in early 2000.
2000: Elected to the Florida House of Representatives
Marco Rubio was elected to represent the 111th district in the Florida House of Representatives in 2000.
September 2001: Rubio's Role in Redistricting and Strengthening GOP Relationships
After a leadership change in the Florida House in September 2001, Rubio volunteered for the redistricting process. By taking a collaborative approach, he divided the state into regions and worked directly with lawmakers, further solidifying his relationships within the GOP.
2001: Rubio's Legislative Earmarks and Spending Requests
During 2001 and 2002, Rubio requested legislative earmarks, totaling around \$145 million, for various projects. These requests, which he defended as necessary for essential services, have drawn scrutiny for potentially overlapping with his personal interests.
2001: Rubio's Tax Reform Proposal and Florida's Largest Tax Cut
Rubio proposed a tax reform plan to reduce property taxes to 2001 levels and potentially eliminate them, offsetting the revenue loss with a sales tax increase. Despite opposition from Governor Crist and some Senate Republicans, the legislature passed a smaller property tax cut, hailed as the largest in Florida's history.
December 2002: Rubio's Ascendancy to House Majority Leader
In December 2002, Rubio was appointed as House Majority Leader by Speaker Johnnie Byrd. He successfully advocated for restructuring the role, shifting legislative negotiation responsibilities to the whip's office, which allowed him to become the primary spokesperson for House Republicans.
2002: Rubio's Legislative Earmarks and Spending Requests
During 2001 and 2002, Rubio requested legislative earmarks, totaling around \$145 million, for various projects. These requests, which he defended as necessary for essential services, have drawn scrutiny for potentially overlapping with his personal interests.
2002: Re-elected to a Second Term Unopposed
Marco Rubio was reelected to a second term in the Florida House of Representatives unopposed in 2002.
2003: Support for the Invasion of Iraq
Rubio supported the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
2004: Re-elected to a Third Term
In 2004, Marco Rubio was reelected to a third term in the Florida House of Representatives.
September 13, 2005: Rubio Becomes Speaker of the Florida House
On September 13, 2005, at the age of 34, Rubio became the Speaker of the Florida House, making him the first Cuban American to hold this position. His rise followed the withdrawal of other contenders for the speakership.
2005: Rubio's "100 Innovative Ideas For Florida's Future" Initiative
Upon being elected Speaker, Rubio presented his vision for Florida's future through a symbolic blank book titled "100 Innovative Ideas For Florida's Future." This initiative, aimed at gathering ideas from citizens and colleagues, reflected Rubio's collaborative approach to governance.
2005: Kelo v. City of New London Supreme Court Decision
The 2005 Supreme Court decision in Kelo v. City of New London, which expanded the government's eminent domain powers, spurred significant debate and ultimately led to legislative responses, including Florida's reforms in 2006.
November 2006: Began Two-Year Term as Speaker of the Florida House
In November 2006, Marco Rubio began his two-year term as the Speaker of the Florida House.
November 2006: Rubio Officially Sworn In as Speaker
Rubio officially assumed the role of Speaker of the Florida House in November 2006, marking a significant milestone in his political career.
2006: Florida's Eminent Domain Reform
In 2006, Florida enacted legislation restricting the government's power to seize private property. This law, a response to the controversial Kelo v. City of New London Supreme Court ruling, was a result of Rubio's work as chair of a special committee prior to his speakership.
2006: Publication of Rubio's Policy Ideas Book
In 2006, after gathering input from Floridians, Rubio published his book of policy ideas. This book, a testament to his commitment to citizen engagement, led to the enactment of several laws addressing education, transportation, and other key issues.
2006: Elected as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives
Marco Rubio was elected as the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives in 2006.
2006: Re-elected to a Fourth Term Unopposed
Marco Rubio was reelected to a fourth term in the Florida House of Representatives unopposed in 2006.
January 2007: Rubio's Leadership Style and Relationship with Jeb Bush's Administration
Following Jeb Bush's departure as governor in January 2007, Rubio hired several former Bush aides, leading to comparisons between their administrations. However, Rubio's approach to leadership differed from Bush's, as he emphasized delegation and collaboration, even with political rivals.
January 2007: Rubio's Clash with Governor Crist over Casino Gambling
Rubio's tenure as Speaker was marked by frequent clashes with Governor Charlie Crist, who took office in January 2007. One major conflict involved Crist's attempt to expand casino gambling, which Rubio successfully challenged in court, arguing that the governor overstepped his authority.
2007: Discussion on Apology for Slavery in Florida Legislature
In 2007, a request for a legislative apology for slavery in Florida sparked debate, with Rubio acknowledging its potential significance. This event highlighted the ongoing discussion surrounding racial reconciliation and historical injustices.
2007: Senate Voting Attendance Record Comparison
John McCain missed a higher percentage of Senate votes in 2007 while campaigning for president.
November 2008: End of Rubio's Term as Speaker
Rubio's term as Speaker of the Florida House concluded in November 2008, marking the end of a period where he championed various legislative initiatives and navigated complex political dynamics.
2008: Term as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Ends
Marco Rubio's term as the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives ended in 2008.
2008: Mitt Romney's Presidential Campaign
Mitt Romney's 2008 presidential campaign, on which George Seay worked, marked Romney's first attempt to secure the Republican nomination.
2008: Opposed Castro Regime
During his first year in office, Marco Rubio became an influential defender of the U.S. embargo against Cuba. He played a role in the State Department's decision to withdraw the ambassadorial nomination of Jonathan D. Farrar, who was seen as not assertive enough toward the Castro regime.
2008: Rubio's Support for Initiatives Addressing Challenges Facing Black Men and Boys
Continuing his support for addressing racial disparities, Rubio played a role in establishing a council focused on the challenges faced by black men and boys in 2008. He also advocated for programs promoting literacy and mentorship for at-risk youth, demonstrating his commitment to social justice.
2008: Left Florida Legislature, Taught at Florida International University
After leaving the Florida legislature due to term limits in 2008, Marco Rubio became a professor at Florida International University.
2008: Started Teaching at FIU
After leaving the Florida Legislature in 2008, Marco Rubio began teaching at Florida International University (FIU) under a fellowship appointment as an adjunct professor. He taught undergraduate courses on Florida politics, political parties, and legislative politics.
May 5, 2009: Announced Senate Run
On May 5, 2009, Marco Rubio announced his intent to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Mel Martínez. Before launching his campaign, Rubio met with fundraisers and supporters throughout Florida. Initially trailing in the primary against incumbent governor Charlie Crist, Rubio eventually surpassed Crist in polling for the Republican nomination.
April 28, 2010: Crist Runs Without Party Affiliation
On April 28, 2010, Charlie Crist announced he would run for the U.S. Senate without a party affiliation, effectively ceding the Republican nomination to Marco Rubio. This decision came after Rubio received significant support from members of the Tea Party and surpassed Crist in polling.
November 2, 2010: Won U.S. Senate Seat
On November 2, 2010, Marco Rubio won the U.S. Senate general election with 49% of the vote, defeating Charlie Crist and Democrat Kendrick Meek. Upon being sworn in, Rubio and Bob Menendez of New Jersey were the only two Latino Americans in the Senate.
2010: Foreclosure on Rubio's Co-owned Tallahassee Residence
In 2010, a Tallahassee house co-owned by Rubio and another state representative faced foreclosure due to missed mortgage payments. Rubio took over the payments, and the property was eventually sold, shedding light on his financial dealings during his time in the Florida House.
2010: Scrutiny of Rubio's Earmarks
In 2010, a report scrutinized Rubio's past spending requests while a state representative, particularly a \$20 million request for Jackson Memorial Hospital. This raised questions about potential conflicts of interest, as Rubio later consulted for the hospital, though he maintains his actions were ethical.
2010: Credit Card Controversy During Senate Campaign
In 2010, during Marco Rubio's Senate campaign, media and political opponents raised issues about some items charged by Rubio to his Republican Party of Florida American Express card while he was House speaker. Rubio charged about $110,000 over two years, including $16,000 for personal expenses like groceries and plane tickets. Rubio claimed he personally paid more than $16,000 for these personal expenses.
2010: Elected to the U.S. Senate
In 2010, Marco Rubio was elected to the U.S. Senate in a three-way race.
January 2011: Senate Voting Attendance Record
From January 2011 to February 2015, Rubio missed 8.3% of total votes.
March 2011: Supported Military Action in Libya
In March 2011, Marco Rubio supported U.S. participation in the military campaign in Libya to oust Muammar Gaddafi. He urged Senate leaders to bring a bipartisan resolution authorizing the president's decision to participate in allied military action in Libya.
October 2011: Washington Post Reports Inaccuracies in Rubio's Family History
In October 2011, The Washington Post reported that Marco Rubio's statements about his parents leaving Cuba in 1959 were false. They had actually left in 1956.
2011: Cesar Conda Joins Rubio's Team
Cesar Conda joined Marco Rubio's team as chief of staff in 2011, marking the beginning of their professional relationship.
2011: Elected as Senior United States Senator from Florida
In 2011, Marco Rubio began his tenure as the Senior United States Senator from Florida.
2011: Voted Against Budget Control Act
In 2011, Marco Rubio voted against the Budget Control Act, which included mandatory automatic budget cuts from sequestration. He later criticized the policy, stating that defense spending should never have been linked to taxes and the deficit, calling it a 'terrible idea' based on a 'false choice.'
2011: Rejoined FIU Faculty
In 2011, after entering the U.S. Senate, Marco Rubio rejoined the faculty at Florida International University (FIU). He continued to teach in the Department of Politics and International Relations, part of FIU's Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs.
March 2012: Endorsed Mitt Romney
In March 2012, Marco Rubio endorsed Mitt Romney for president. Despite his endorsement, Rubio stated he did not expect to be or want to be selected as a vice presidential running mate, although he was vetted by the Romney campaign.
2012: Rick Perry's Presidential Campaign
Rick Perry's 2012 presidential campaign, which George Seay worked on, took place during a time of significant political change and competition.
2012: Rubio Pays Off Student Loans
Marco Rubio paid off his student loans in 2012.
2012: Vote Against Fiscal Cliff Resolutions
In 2012, Rubio voted against resolutions aimed at addressing the "fiscal cliff." He argued that the resolutions would harm small businesses, leading to job losses and economic setbacks, and would not effectively address the national debt.
2012: Cleared of Wrongdoing in Credit Card Use
In 2012, the Florida Commission on Ethics cleared Marco Rubio of any wrongdoing regarding his use of the Republican Party of Florida American Express card. Although the commission inspector noted that Rubio exhibited a 'level of negligence' for not using his personal MasterCard, no further action was taken.
April 2013: Vote Against Gun Background Checks Expansion
In April 2013, Rubio voted against a proposed expansion of background checks for gun purchases, arguing that such measures would be ineffective in preventing criminal access to firearms.
2013: Rubio Ranked as 17th Most Conservative Senator
According to the National Journal's analysis, Rubio was identified as the 17th most conservative senator in 2013, based on his voting record and alignment with conservative principles.
2013: Gang of Eight and Immigration Reform
As part of the bipartisan "Gang of Eight" in 2013, Rubio co-authored comprehensive immigration reform legislation. His proposal included a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants contingent on meeting certain requirements, but emphasized the need for enhanced border security before implementing such a pathway. Although the bill passed the Senate, Rubio later signaled his preference for alternative approaches to immigration reform.
2013: Rubio Gains Early Support in New Hampshire Primary Polls
In 2013, Rubio showed early promise in New Hampshire's Republican primary polls, sharing the top position with Kentucky Senator Rand Paul.
2013: Support for Immigration Reform and Stances on Military and Foreign Policy
In 2013, Rubio's support for comprehensive immigration reform legislation led to a decline in support from Tea Party backers. His positions on military, foreign policy, and national security issues, including supporting arming Syrian rebels and the NSA, also alienated some libertarian Tea Party activists.
2013: Republican Response to State of the Union
Rubio delivered the Republican response to President Obama's 2013 State of the Union Address, marking the first time the response was given in both English and Spanish. He aimed to present a firm stance against the impending defense sequestration, but his message was somewhat overshadowed by a separate response from Senator Rand Paul supporting the sequester.
April 2014: Rubio Hints at Potential 2016 Presidential Run
In April 2014, Rubio stated he wouldn't seek Senate reelection if he ran for president in 2016 due to Florida law, signaling his presidential ambitions. The departure of his chief of staff, Cesar Conda, to lead Rubio's PAC further fueled speculation about a 2016 presidential bid.
April 18, 2014: Rubio's Standing in New Hampshire Primary Polls
Despite an initial surge in New Hampshire's Republican primary polls in 2013, Rubio's popularity dropped by April 18, 2014, falling behind other Republican contenders. However, the same poll suggested that he remained generally well-regarded by primary voters.
October 27, 2014: Senate Voting Attendance Record
From October 27, 2014, to October 26, 2015, Rubio voted in 74% of Senate votes.
November 2014: Advocacy for Elimination of PPACA Risk Corridors
Following the Republican takeover of the U.S. Senate in November 2014, Rubio advocated for eliminating the "risk corridors" established under the Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to compensate insurers for losses. He argued against using alternative funding sources to replenish the depleted risk corridors, leading to the inclusion of a provision in the 2014 federal budget to prevent such action.
2014: Republicans Gained Senate Majority
In 2014, after the midterm elections, the Republicans gained majority control of the Senate. This shift gave Marco Rubio and the Republicans significant federal influence during the final two years of Barack Obama's presidency and all four years of Donald Trump's presidency.
2014: Rubio Receives High Ratings from Club for Growth
Rubio garnered strong ratings from the Club for Growth in both 2013 and 2014, with scores of 91 percent and 93 percent respectively, indicating his adherence to fiscally conservative policies.
2014: Change in Chief of Staff
In 2014, Marco Rubio's chief of staff, Cesar Conda, was succeeded by his deputy, Alberto Martinez. Conda, a former adviser to Vice President Dick Cheney, remained as a part-time adviser to Rubio.
2014: Rubio Takes Position at Broad and Cassel Law Firm
In 2014, Marco Rubio took a position at Broad and Cassel, a Miami law and lobbying firm.
January 2015: Rubio Prepares for Potential 2016 Presidential Run
In January 2015, Rubio took concrete steps toward a potential 2016 presidential run, reaching out to significant donors and assembling a team of advisors with experience in presidential campaigns.
January 2015: Rubio Places Second in Zogby Analytics Poll
In January 2015, Rubio secured the second position in an online poll conducted by Zogby Analytics, gauging likely voters' preferences for the 2016 Republican presidential candidates.
February 2015: Senate Voting Attendance Record
From January 2011 to February 2015, Rubio missed 8.3% of total votes.
March 2015: Proposal of Tax Plan with Mike Lee
In March 2015, Rubio and Senator Mike Lee introduced a tax plan that aimed to lower the corporate income tax rate, eliminate certain taxes, create a new child tax credit, and restructure the welfare system. The plan, drawing on both traditional supply-side economics and concerns about middle-class tax burdens, sparked debate over its potential impact on various income groups and the economy.
April 13, 2015: Rubio Launches 2016 Presidential Campaign
On April 13, 2015, Rubio formally announced his candidacy for president in the 2016 election, aiming to resonate with middle and working-class families by emphasizing his commitment to restoring the American Dream.
April 2015: Announced Presidential Run
In April 2015, Marco Rubio announced his decision to run for president instead of seeking re-election to the Senate. His campaign was ultimately suspended on March 15, 2016.
April 2015: Launched Presidential Bid
Marco Rubio launched his presidential bid in April 2015.
October 26, 2015: Senate Voting Attendance Record
From October 27, 2014, to October 26, 2015, Rubio voted in 74% of Senate votes.
November 2015: Rubio Releases Credit Card Statements
In November 2015, Marco Rubio released his Republican Party of Florida American Express card statements for January 2005 through October 2006. The statements showed eight personal charges totaling $7,243.74, which he had personally reimbursed. Rubio's spokesman Todd Harris stated, 'These statements are more than 10 years old. And the only people who ask about them today are the liberal media and our political opponents. We are releasing them now because Marco has nothing to hide.' The release was part of Rubio's response to criticism regarding his use of the party-issued credit card during his time as House speaker.
2015: Rubio Receives High Rating from American Conservative Union
By early 2015, Rubio earned a 98.67 rating from the American Conservative Union, reflecting his consistently conservative voting record throughout his time in the Senate.
February 6, 2016: Rubio Faces Criticism During New Hampshire Debate
During a televised Republican primary debate in New Hampshire on February 6, 2016, Rubio faced criticism from Chris Christie for his repetitive speaking style, with Christie characterizing it as "scripted".
February 2016: Rubio Criticizes Trump During Republican Primaries
During the heat of the 2016 Republican primaries, Rubio leveled sharp criticisms against Trump, labeling him a "con artist" and expressing concerns about his preparedness for the presidency.
March 2016: Opposition to Merrick Garland's Supreme Court Nomination
Rubio opposed President Obama's nomination of Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court in March 2016, arguing against appointing a justice in the last year of a president's term.
March 15, 2016: Suspended Presidential Campaign
On March 15, 2016, Marco Rubio suspended his campaign for the presidency after losing the Florida Republican primary to Donald Trump.
May 17, 2016: Support for Zika Virus Emergency Funding
Breaking from the Republican majority, Rubio supported President Obama's request for \$2 billion in emergency funding to combat the Zika virus on May 17, 2016. His support came at a time when Florida had a significant number of Zika cases.
June 13, 2016: Hinted at Re-election Bid
On June 13, 2016, after suspending his presidential campaign, Marco Rubio hinted at running for re-election to the Senate. He cited the Orlando nightclub shooting as a significant event that made him reconsider his service to the country.
June 2016: Rubio Expresses Concerns About Trump's Fitness for Office
In June 2016, Rubio reiterated his earlier concerns about Trump's temperament and fitness for the presidency, emphasizing the gravity of entrusting an "erratic individual" with the country's nuclear codes.
July 2016: Condemnation of Turkey's Crackdown on Dissent
In July 2016, Rubio condemned Turkey's widespread crackdown on dissent following a failed coup attempt.
July 20, 2016: Rubio Endorses Trump for President
Despite his earlier criticisms of Trump during the Republican primaries, Rubio endorsed Trump for president on July 20, 2016, after Trump secured the Republican Party's nomination.
August 30, 2016: Won Republican Primary
On August 30, 2016, Marco Rubio won the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate, defeating Carlos Beruff. He proceeded to face Democratic nominee Patrick Murphy in the general election.
October 7, 2016: Rubio Criticizes Trump's Comments About Women
Rubio condemned Trump's comments about women, which surfaced on October 7, 2016, in the Access Hollywood tape, calling them "vulgar, egregious & impossible to justify", revealing a point of tension in their political alliance.
2016: Rubio's Potential 2016 Presidential Candidacy
Rubio was considered a potential candidate for the 2016 presidential race, with his potential appeal to various segments of the GOP base being a topic of discussion.
2016: Opposition to Publishing CIA Torture Report and Stance on Interrogation Techniques
Rubio voted against publishing a Senate Intelligence Committee report on CIA torture in 2016. He maintained that the U.S. should utilize all available information from captured terrorists and should avoid disclosing its interrogation techniques to enemies.
2016: Unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for President of the United States
Marco Rubio ran for the Republican nomination for President of the United States in 2016 but was unsuccessful.
2016: Contentious Relationship with Donald Trump
Rubio and Donald Trump had a contentious relationship during the 2016 Republican primaries, exchanging harsh criticisms. However, Rubio largely supported Trump's policies and actions during his presidency.
2016: Rubio Supports Trump, Attends RNC, and Criticizes Trump's Comments
Throughout 2016, Rubio navigated a complex relationship with Trump, endorsing him for president, committing to attend the Republican National Convention, and criticizing specific remarks made by Trump, demonstrating a balance between party loyalty and personal convictions.
2016: Rubio's Potential 2016 Presidential Run
Rubio's preparations for a potential 2016 presidential run, including assembling a team and engaging with donors, were indicative of his serious consideration of a presidential bid.
2016: Rubio's Potential Presidential Run
Rubio's potential run for president in 2016 was a significant topic, with speculation and preparations occurring in the years leading up to the election.
2016: Rubio's 2016 Presidential Campaign
Rubio's 2016 presidential campaign was seen as a serious bid, with his youth, communication skills, and focus on the American Dream potentially appealing to a broad range of voters.
January 2017: Rubio to Become Private Citizen
Rubio stated that he would become a "private citizen" by January 2017, following his decision not to seek reelection to the Senate or pursue other political offices, leading to speculation about his future career path.
April 5, 2017: Criticism of Bashar al-Assad's Actions in Syria
On April 5, 2017, Rubio stated that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was acting with "impunity" due to the United States' lack of focus on removing him from power.
September 2017: Defense of Trump's Decision on DACA
In September 2017, Rubio defended President Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, labeling it as "unconstitutional." DACA provided temporary protection from deportation to certain undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.
February 2018: Defense of NRA Contributions After Stoneman Douglas Shooting
At a CNN town hall in February 2018 following the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Rubio defended his acceptance of contributions from the National Rifle Association (NRA), stating that their influence stemmed from the millions of Americans who support their agenda.
March 2018: Defense of Citizenship Question on 2020 Census
Rubio defended the Trump administration's decision to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census in March 2018, despite concerns from experts about potential undercounting and data inaccuracies.
July 2018: Amendment Proposal for Real Estate Ownership Transparency
In July 2018, Rubio proposed an amendment to a spending bill that aimed to increase transparency in real estate purchases made with cash, requiring the disclosure of owners to combat illicit financial activities.
August 28, 2018: Call for Sanctions Against Chinese Officials Over Uyghur Abuses
On August 28, 2018, Rubio joined 16 other members of Congress in urging the US to impose sanctions on Chinese officials involved in human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang.
2018: Negative Net Worth Reported
As of 2018, OpenSecrets.org reported that Rubio had a negative net worth, with debts exceeding his assets by over $1.8 million.
2018: Shifting Stances on Immigration and Opposition to Bipartisan Reform Efforts
By 2018, Rubio had distanced himself from his earlier efforts to find a compromise on immigration and adopted more hardline views, rejecting bipartisan immigration reform efforts.
January 2019: Became Florida's Senior Senator
Following the defeat of former Senator Bill Nelson, Marco Rubio became Florida's senior senator in January 2019.
2019: Support for Hosting G7 Summit at Trump National Doral
Rubio expressed support for President Trump's decision to hold the 2019 G7 summit at Trump National Doral Miami, a resort owned by Trump. He believed it would benefit local businesses.
April 27, 2020: Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to Obamacare
The US Supreme Court voted 8-1 on April 27, 2020, to defeat Rubio's attempt to overturn the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).
September 2020: Support for Amy Coney Barrett's Supreme Court Nomination
Rubio supported Trump's nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court in September 2020 following Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death and voted to confirm her.
November 2020: Announced Third Senate Term Run
In November 2020, Marco Rubio announced his intention to run for a third Senate term in the 2022 election. He faced Democratic challenger Val Demings, the U.S. Representative for Florida's 10th congressional district.
November 23, 2020: Response to 2020 Presidential Election and Recognition of Biden as President-Elect
After Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election, Rubio initially defended President Trump's right to allege election fraud and challenge the results. However, he gradually shifted his stance, acknowledging Republican voters' concerns about potential irregularities. By November 23, 2020, Rubio had recognized Biden as president-elect.
2020: Support for Judy Shelton's Nomination to Federal Reserve Board
In 2020, Rubio backed the nomination of Judy Shelton to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, despite bipartisan criticism of Shelton's unconventional views on monetary policy, including her support for the gold standard.
2020: Defense of Citizenship Question on 2020 Census
Rubio defended the Trump administration's decision to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census in March 2018, despite concerns from experts about potential undercounting and data inaccuracies.
February 2021: Response to January 6th Capitol Attack and Vote on Trump's Impeachment Acquittal
Rubio condemned the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, calling it unpatriotic and a national embarrassment. He voted to certify the 2021 Electoral College results. However, in February 2021, Rubio voted to acquit Trump on charges of inciting the Capitol riot.
May 2021: Rubio Urges Wall Street to Stop Enabling Communist China
In May 2021, Marco Rubio argued that "Wall Street must stop enabling Communist China", expressing concern over the threat posed by the CCP to American workers and urging bipartisan action to address it.
May 28, 2021: Vote Against January 6th Commission
On May 28, 2021, Rubio voted against the formation of a bipartisan commission to investigate the January 6th Capitol attack.
2022: Rubio Condemns Russian Invasion of Ukraine
In 2022, Rubio publicly denounced the Russian invasion of Ukraine and co-sponsored a bill to target pro-Russian separatist groups, who were instrumental in Putin's justification for the invasion.
2022: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate for a Third Term
Marco Rubio was reelected to a third term in the U.S. Senate in 2022, defeating Democratic nominee Val Demings.
October 2023: Comments on Hamas Attack on Israel
Rubio condemned Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel and expressed strong support for Israel's right to self-defense, stating that Israel cannot coexist with "savages" and that they "have to be eradicated."
2024: Endorsed Trump for President
In 2024, Marco Rubio endorsed Donald Trump for president.