Florida state Rep. Jeanette Nuñez is expected to be named GOP gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis’ running mate Thursday, a move that would make her the first Cuban-American woman to serve as the state’s second in command if DeSantis wins the election in November, according to Politico.
Nuñez, 46, has served for eight years in the Florida House and recently served as Speaker pro tempore under House Speaker Richard Corcoran. At first, she was hesitant to agree to serve as DeSantis’ running mate, but was swayed after Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., spoke to her following Andrew Gillum’s stunning upset victory on Aug. 28 in the Democratic primary for governor.
“She wasn’t keen on doing it at first. But the Gillum win was enough for her to revisit that – what’s at stake for the state,” one source told Politico. “Marco called her and made a push. They’ve been friends for years and he said it was hugely important for her to get on the ticket.”
Nuñez is a Miami native who worked as a healthcare lobbyist and legislative aide prior to serving in the Florida House.
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