A Miami native born to Cuban exiles, Rubio began in local politics on the West Miami City Commission and ascended to Florida House Speaker in 2006, rolling out '100 Innovative Ideas for Florida’s Future' to tackle crime and economic growth. He won a U.S. Senate seat in 2010's upset victory, serving three terms while shaping policy on immigration via the Gang of Eight bill, Cuba sanctions, and robust defense spending. As the first Latino Secretary of State under Trump, sworn in January 21, 2025, he has steered responses to Iran tensions and Venezuela maneuvers, drawing on his South Florida Cuban-American ties to prioritize regime change in Havana amid rising MAGA influence.