Marsha Blackburn Endorses Ron DeSantis to Replace Marco Rubio in the Senate

U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., announced on Monday she was supporting U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., to replace U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., in the Senate. 

"Ron DeSantis is a principled conservative leader who can always be counted on to stand up for taxpayers, our national security and the Constitution,” Blackburn said. "From defending the Internet against government intrusion to defunding the unconstitutional actions of President Obama, Ron has stood with me in taking the fight to the Obama administration. Ron DeSantis has done a great job in the House and will be a fantastic senator.”

"Congresswoman Blackburn is a terrific conservative and I'm very grateful for her support," said DeSantis. "Restoring the rule of law, gaining control over our borders and limiting the scope of government are essential to getting our country back on track. Congresswoman Blackburn has been a leader on these and many issues and I look forward to continuing to work with her to advance conservative principles."

Rising up the ranks of the Tennessee Republican Party, Blackburn was elected to the state Senate in 1998 before being elected to Congress in 2002. During her time in Washington, Blackburn has ranked as a solid fiscal and social conservative, winning national headlines for her attempts to limit abortion and her criticism of proponents of global warming, including former Vice President Al Gore. Last year Blackburn debated science television personality Bill Nye on NBCs "Meet the Press" over global warming. Blackburn also opened the door to a presidential bid, visiting early states like New Hampshire, but ultimately decided against entering the contest.