Marco Rubio, 53, is a prominent Republican politician and lawyer with a net worth of $400,000. Despite his long career in politics, including serving as a U.S. Senator from Florida since 2011, his financial history has been marked by challenges and notable ups and downs. Here’s an in-depth look at his journey, covering his early life, political career, and personal life.
How Did Marco Rubio Start His Career?
Marco Rubio began his professional journey after earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Florida in 1993 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 1996. While in law school, he interned for U.S. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, sparking his interest in public service.
In 1998, Rubio was elected as a city commissioner for West Miami, marking the start of his political career. By late 1999, he ran in a special election for the Florida House of Representatives, where he emerged victorious. Over the next decade, Rubio steadily rose through the ranks, serving as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2008.
What Are Marco Rubio’s Financial Challenges?
Rubio’s financial history has been a topic of interest throughout his career. Despite earning $2.38 million from his law practice and political salaries between 1998 and 2008, his net worth has remained relatively modest due to financial mismanagement. In 2000, Rubio reported having a net worth of zero, and by 2009, his financial disclosures indicated a negative net worth of $37,000, driven by student loans and mortgage debt.
Rubio’s financial struggles continued with a notable incident in 2015 when he sold a property in Tallahassee at an $18,000 loss after falling behind on mortgage payments. Although he received an $800,000 advance for his 2012 biography, much of this windfall was spent on personal items, including an $80,000 speedboat. By 2018, his net worth had declined to negative $1.3 million.
How Did Marco Rubio Build His Political Career?
Rubio’s political career took off when he won a U.S. Senate seat in 2010. During his tenure, he became known for his strong stances on foreign policy, particularly regarding Cuba and Venezuela. He also played a key role in advocating for military interventions, such as the campaign to overthrow Muammar Gaddafi in Libya.
In 2013, Rubio was part of the “Gang of Eight,” a bipartisan group that pushed for comprehensive immigration reform. However, his broader conservative positions, such as opposition to gun control, affordable healthcare, and climate change initiatives, have solidified his reputation as a staunch Republican.
Rubio ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 but suspended his campaign after losing the Florida primary. Despite his initial criticism of Donald Trump during the campaign, he later endorsed him and played a significant role in Trump’s political circle.
What Is Marco Rubio’s Role in the Senate?
Since taking office in 2011, Rubio has been an influential member of the Senate. He has focused on foreign policy, national defense, and human rights, often taking a hardline stance against authoritarian regimes. He has also been a vocal proponent of increased defense spending and has consistently voted against expanding background checks for gun purchases.
In 2022, Rubio was reelected for a third term by defeating Democrat Val Demings, further solidifying his political influence in Florida and beyond.
What Do We Know About Marco Rubio’s Personal Life?
Rubio married Jeanette Dousdebes, a former Miami Dolphins cheerleader, in 1998. The couple has four children: Amanda, Daniella, Anthony, and Dominick. Jeanette has largely stayed out of the political spotlight, focusing on raising their children and supporting Rubio behind the scenes. The family resides in West Miami, Florida.
Rubio emphasizes the importance of family in his life. He has often shared how his parents, Cuban immigrants, inspired his work ethic and commitment to public service.
How Does Real Estate Reflect Rubio’s Financial Journey?
Rubio’s real estate ventures have mirrored his financial struggles. In 2001, during a year when he earned $90,000, he and his family moved into his mother-in-law’s home due to financial difficulties. Two years later, he purchased that home for $175,000. In 2005, Rubio bought a $550,000 property in West Miami, which remains his primary residence.
In contrast, his 2015 sale of a Tallahassee property highlighted his ongoing financial challenges, as he incurred a significant loss after defaulting on mortgage payments.
What Are Rubio’s Political Positions?
Rubio is known for his conservative views and hawkish foreign policy. He has been a vocal advocate for increased defense spending, opposes women’s reproductive rights, and has denied the scientific consensus on climate change. He supports the expansion of charter schools and has called for the elimination of the federal Department of Education.
On election integrity, Rubio has faced criticism for perpetuating unfounded claims of voter fraud during the 2018 and 2020 elections. However, he ultimately voted to certify Joe Biden’s presidential victory in 2021, acknowledging the legitimacy of the election.
What’s Next for Marco Rubio?
In a significant development, Donald Trump nominated Rubio to serve as Secretary of State during his second term. If confirmed, Rubio would bring his extensive experience in foreign policy to the role. His tenure would focus on maintaining U.S. alliances, countering authoritarian regimes, and addressing global challenges such as cybersecurity and trade disputes.
Despite his financial struggles, Marco Rubio remains a prominent figure in U.S. politics, navigating both personal and professional hurdles. His journey is a testament to resilience and determination in the face of adversity.