Florida's three-way Senate race is coming to an end with Republican Marco Rubio leading in all the polls. Rubio took an unconventional road to become the front-runner and was helped by independent Gov. Charlie Crist's overture to Democrats.
Crist appeared to be splitting the Democratic vote with Rep. Kendrick Meek heading into Tuesday's final day of voting. The winner will replace Republican Sen. George LeMieux, whom Crist appointed to replace Mel Martinez.
Rubio was once considered a longshot but he built momentum through tea party rallies and by talking to conservative groups.
His message was consistent: President Barack Obama's spending and health care policies are a disaster and the nation will spiral downward if spending isn't controlled.
© Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.