Marco Rubio

Marco Rubio is an American politician, who currently serves as the senior United States senator from the state of Florida. Marco is a Cuban American and a member of Republican Party. He has held the seat of senator in Florida since 2011. In 2010 election, Marco received 48.89% of the votes cast. He defeated his nearest rival Charles Joseph Crist Jr. (independent candidate) by a margin of more than 1 million votes. Democratic candidate Kendrick Brett Meek had come third in the election, securing 1.092 million votes.

Marco won again in 2016, where he defeated his nearest rival Patrick Murphy of Democratic Party by a margin of more than 700,000 votes. Marco improved his 2010 performance by securing a higher percentage (51.98%) of votes in 2016 senate elections in Florida. In upcoming 2022 United States senate election in Florida scheduled to be held on November 8, it is expected that Marco will win again by a comfortable margin. Most poll predictions have indicated a clear win for Marco in 2022.

Early life and education

Marco was born in Miami, Florida to Mario Rubio Reina and Oriales Rubio. He was born on May 28, 1971. His parents had earlier lived in Cuba and had immigrated to US in 1956. At the time of Marco’s birth, his parents did not have US citizenship. Later, they were naturalized in 1975.

Marco studied at South Miami Senior High School, from where he completed his graduation in 1989. Later he joined University of Florida, from where he completed his bachelor’s degree in political science. He has also completed Juris Doctor degree from University of Miami School of Law. Marco married Jeanette Dousdebe in 1998.

Political career

Marco had got a taste of political world when he was studying law. He had worked as an intern for Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a US Representative. He also worked for Bob Dole (Republican senator) for his 1996 presidential campaign. Marco himself entered the political sphere in 2000 when he became a member of Florida House of Representatives.

In 2005, Marco became house speaker and was sworn in November 2006. He was the first Cuban American to hold this post. He continued to work in that position till 2008. Later, he started working as an adjunct professor at Florida International University (FIU). After becoming senator, he rejoined as faculty at FIU.

During his tenure as senator, Marco involved himself in various matters. It includes United States embargo against Cuba, military campaign in Libya, comprehensive immigration reform legislation, Russian incursion into Ukraine, crisis in Haiti and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

Marco had run for 2016 Presidential election, but later withdrew and came back to serve as senator from Florida for second term.

Personal pursuits

Marco remains committed to the welfare of people. A Roman Catholic, Marco regularly attends Catholic Mass at Church of the Little Flower in Coral Gables, Florida.