Marco Rubio Wiki: Born on May 28, 1971, Marco Antonio Rubio is an American attorney, diplomat, and politician. Serving as the 72nd United States Secretary of State since 2025, Rubio was a Republican U.S. Senator from Florida from 2011 to 2025 and also pursued a presidential bid in 2016.
Marco Rubio Wiki: Early Life
Marco Rubio was born in Miami, Florida, to Cuban immigrant parents who departed Cuba in 1956. After a short stint in Las Vegas, Nevada, the family moved back to Miami. While in Nevada, Rubio, who was raised Catholic, was baptized as a Mormon before reverting to the Catholic Church.
Education
Marco Rubio graduated from South Miami Senior High School in 1989 before moving on to Tarkio College in Missouri on a football scholarship. Following this, he transferred to Santa Fe Community College. In 1993, he completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida and went on to earn a law degree from the University of Miami in 1996.
Early Political Career
While studying law, Marco Rubio worked under Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. In 1999, he secured a seat in the Florida House of Representatives and held the position from 2000 to 2008. Rubio advanced to become the House Majority Leader during the period of 2003 to 2006 before assuming the role of Speaker of the Florida House from 2006 to 2008.
During his tenure as Speaker, he advocated for reduced taxes, enhanced education, and streamlined government operations. Engaging with Floridians for input on state enhancement, Rubio successfully transformed many of those ideas into legislation. Newt Gingrich commended Rubio’s initiatives.
U.S. Senate Career
Marco Rubio won the U.S. Senate seat in 2010 by defeating both an independent candidate and a Democratic rival. This victory led to his membership on various Senate committees, such as the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Marco Rubio was rumored as a possible vice-presidential contender in 2012, but he dismissed any interest. He secured a second Senate term in 2016 and won reelection to a third term in 2022.
2016 Presidential Campaign
Marco Rubio declared his bid for the presidency in April 2015, emphasizing a focus on a balanced budget, tax reform, and border security. While initially gaining support from the Republican establishment, Rubio faced challenges securing victories in different states as he became a target of ridicule from Donald Trump.
Responding to Trump’s criticisms, Rubio also expressed his disapproval. Following a defeat in the Florida primary, Rubio halted his campaign in March 2016.
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Shift to Conservative Populism
Following the 2016 election, Marco Rubio embraced conservative populism and backed President Trump fervently. Despite supporting Trump’s allegations of voter fraud in the 2020 election, Rubio ultimately voted to certify the election results post the U.S. Capitol incident.
Rubio had a significant impact on U.S. policy toward Latin America while Trump was in office. He took a tough stance on China, resulting in China imposing sanctions on him twice in 2020.
Secretary of State
In 2024, Trump appointed Rubio as Secretary of State, a position for which he was confirmed unanimously by the Senate in 2025, making Rubio the inaugural Latino to serve in this role.
Net Worth
Marco Rubio’s net worth as of February 2025 is approximately $13.75 million, derived mainly from real estate investments and earnings.
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Marco Rubio Controversy
Recent controversies surrounding Marco Rubio include:
- Skipping the G20 Summit: Marco Rubio stated he would skip the G20 talks in South Africa due to worries about “anti-Americanism” tied to a controversial land expropriation law. Detractors see this move as risking U.S. national security and concerns, especially given Trump’s warnings to cut aid to South Africa.
- Comments on Hamas: Rubio’s assertion that Hamas must be eliminated in order to achieve peace in Gaza has added complexity to the current ceasefire negotiations. His firm position has sparked worries about a potential return to hostilities and the well-being of hostages.
Marco Rubio: Personal Life
Rubio wed Jeanette Dousdebes in 1998, and together they have four kids named Amanda, Daniella, Anthony, and Dominic.
Religion
Marco Rubio was baptized into the Catholic faith, yet during his youth in Nevada, his family embraced Mormonism. His mother credited the Mormon church for the positive community environment, prompting their conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Marco Rubio Ethnicity
Marco Rubio, a Cuban American, was born in Miami, Florida, to parents who immigrated from Cuba in 1956. He has Latino heritage.
