Getting ready to start his second term next month, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., announced on Monday that he will bring in a new chief of staff.
Alberto Martinez, a longtime staffer who took over as Rubio’s chief of staff in 2013, is stepping down but he will remain with the junior senator from the Sunshine State as a senior advisor. Clint Reed, who led Rubio to a big victory in the Republican primary in August before guiding him to a win last month over U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Fla., will replace Martinez.
“I’m excited about my second term in the Senate and the team we are putting together to work hard every day for the people of Florida and get results on their behalf,” Rubio said on Monday. “For the past ten years, going back to my time in the state house, Albert has been a trusted and loyal advisor on policy, politics and communications. I am extremely grateful to him for his loyal service and the outstanding job he did managing my Senate office over the past two and a half years, a period where we passed more bills into law than any other during my term. Albert will continue to play a key role in shaping our office for the new challenges and opportunities which lie ahead.
“For over a year, I’ve gotten to know and work closely with Clint on my campaigns, including two in Florida. He’s a superb manager who loves Florida, has earned my trust, and relishes the challenge of solving tough problems,” Rubio added. “The next six years will undoubtedly present many challenges but also incredible opportunities to make an even bigger difference in the lives of Floridians and people throughout the country, and I’m excited to be surrounded with a team of devoted professionals who are passionate about public service.”
Reed was part of Rubio’s presidential campaign, leading his efforts in Iowa and Florida. Before that, he worked for the Republican Governors Association (RGA) and as Southeast Regional Political Director for the Republican National Committee (RNC). Reed has ties to Arkansas where he served as executive director of the Republican Party of Arkansas and was part of the Bush-Cheney team in that state back in 2004.
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