Sen. Marco Rubio is re-engaging in national politics more than a year after President Trump chased him from the 2016 contest, with carefully calibrated plans to assist Republicans running in the midterm and establish a home-state network that might fuel future ambitions.
The Florida Republican, reelected after exiting the presidential primary, has quietly beefed up Reclaim America, his political action committee, to use as a vehicle to raise money for 2018 candidates and fund his travel to stump for them locally, and provide other assistance.
Rubio, 46, is prioritizing Republicans who backed his presidential bid, including an October visit to Arizona to headline a fundraiser for vulnerable Sen. Jeff Flake, in Trump's crosshairs and facing the prospect of tough primary and general election challenges.
The senator also aims to build stronger alliances with Republicans in Florida, with long-term investments in local and state politics, which he neglected on his fast rise from the West Miami city commission to front-running presidential candidate.
The goal is to assemble the sort of committed following developed by former Gov. Jeb Bush at the height of his career, cementing his political standing at home and laying a foundation of financial and grassroots support that could prove valuable in a national setting.
Get the Exclusive
05.17.2024