Tom Rooney Backs Ron DeSantis to Replace Marco Rubio in Senate

U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Fla., announced on Thursday that he was backing U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., to replace U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., in the Senate. 

Rooney had been mentioned as a possible Senate candidate in 2016 but stayed out of the race, even as buzz builds that he will run in 2018. 

"I'm honored today to endorse my friend, colleague, and fellow veteran Ron DeSantis to the United States Senate,” Rooney said on Thursday. "My highest priority as a member of Congress is National Security. As a former Navy officer, I know Ron shares my conviction that providing for our common defense and taking care of veterans when they come home is of utmost importance. General George Washington once said: 'The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by our nation.' Ron DeSantis understands this. That's why he has earned my endorsement for U.S. senator.”

“Congressman Tom Rooney is one of the most respected members of our delegation and I'm excited to have his support,” DeSantis said. “Congressman Rooney and I believe that America must rebuild our military, defend our allies such as the state of Israel, and prevent regimes like Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.”