ORLANDO, Fla. – U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, the Republican nominee for governor in Florida, announced Thursday that he has selected Miami state Rep. Jeanette Nuñez as his running mate.
Nuñez, the current speaker pro tempore of the Florida House of Representatives, is the first Cuban-American woman to run for lieutenant governor of Florida.
"Jeanette Nuñez is a strong, principled leader who will be an outstanding lieutenant governor for the people of Florida," DeSantis said. "She has a proven record of leadership and legislative accomplishments, delivering for both her constituents in Miami-Dade and the state of Florida as a whole. Jeanette will help us build on our economic success, protect our environment and empower parents to make the best educational decisions for their children. I look forward to campaigning with her across our great state to secure Florida's future."
DeSantis' pick is noteworthy because Nunez has been at odds with some of his agenda supporting President Donald Trump. DeSantis won the nomination last week with Trump's endorsement, and he's been a constant defender of the president on Fox News.
But Nuñez tweeted during the 2016 presidential campaign that Trump was a con man who supported the Ku Klux Klan. Nuñez was backing U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio for president at the time. Nuñez and DeSantis downplayed her past the tweet while talking with reporters.
"Listen, we're here talking about moving forward," she said. "It's no secret that I was a strong Marco Rubio supporter. That election is done and I'm looking forward to this election."
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve the people of Florida with Congressman DeSantis,” said Nuñez. “In South Florida, we know that by empowering the free market—not big government—we succeed as a state. Together, I know we can build an economy that works for all Floridians, protect our natural resources and provide every child a great education. I’m excited about sharing our message across the Sunshine State and bringing home a big win in November.”
DeSantis was joined by Gov. Rick Scott as they headlined a rally featuring the Florida Republican candidates running for statewide offices in November.
The kickoff rally for the Florida Republicans was held Thursday at Ace Cafe Orlando, a motor-themed downtown restaurant.
Scott and DeSantis are the GOP candidates in two of the most anticipated races of the midterm election. Facing term limits as governor, Scott is trying to unseat Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson.
DeSantis, whose primary campaign was boosted by an endorsement from President Donald Trump, is facing Democratic gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum, who is vying to be Florida's first African-American governor.
Scott said the races present voters with a stark contrast, citing differences on taxes as one of the biggest differences between he and Nelson and DeSantis and Gillum.
"We need to remain a low-tax state," DeSantis said. "I will be following (Scott) with that approach."
DeSantis said Gillum wants Florida to have a single-payer healthcare system, which he said will bankrupt the state and cause a massive tax increase.
"I don't think that's a good deal for Florida taxpayers," DeSantis said.
Scott touted the fact that 1.6 million jobs had been created under his watch, saying employment would take a hit if Democrats win in November.
Gillum chose Winter Park businessman Chris King as his running mate, making the announcement Thursday morning on Facebook.
King, 39, finished last in a five-way race for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.
Later in the day, Vice President Mike Pence is holding fundraising receptions for Scott in Orlando and The Villages, the retirement community northwest of Orlando.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.