U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio Will Seek Re-Election

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio has thrown his name into the ring for a re-election bid. While Rubio failed in his campaign to win the Republican nomination for president, polls are showing he’ll likely win another Senate term come November.

Rubio's decision to seek re-election came in the nick of time for Friday’s qualifying deadline.

Speculation had run high in the past few days that Rubio might reverse his decision in regard to re-election. Rubio himself fueled speculation last week when he spoke with reporters in Washington, D.C. He said he had plans to head back home to Florida and speak with his family.

“If there’s been in a change in our status, I’ll let you know,” he said.

Rubio did just that Wednesday.

Rubio issued a statement explaining his decision, citing a sense of duty and a desire to help the Republicans maintain control of the Senate. He also expressed concerns about both candidates in the presidential election.

"With Hillary Clinton, we would have four more years of the same failed economic policies that have left us with a stagnant economy," Rubio said. "We would have four more years of the same failed foreign policy that has allowed radical Islam to spread, and terrorists to be released from Guantanamo. And even worse, if Clinton were president and her party took control of Congress, she would govern without Congressional oversight or limit."

His opinions of Donald Trump aren't much better.

"It is no secret that I have significant disagreements with Donald Trump," Rubio said. "His positions on many key issues are still unknown. And some of his statements, especially about women and minorities, I find not just offensive but unacceptable. If he is elected, we will need senators willing to encourage him in the right direction, and if necessary, stand up to him. I’ve proven a willingness to do both."

Rubio pulled his name out of the running for the Senate seat he currently holds during his failed bid in the Republican presidential primary. He was defeated soundly in his home state by the now-presumptive nominee Donald Trump and suspended his presidential campaign after that March 15 primary defeat.

"After tonight it is clear that while we are on the right side this year that we will not be on the winning side," Rubio said in announcing his withdrawal from the presidential race.

Rubio initially said he had every intention of returning home after his Senate term was up to resume life as a private citizen.

The announcement arrives on the heels of several polls that show Florida Republicans strongly favor Rubio over the currently declared candidates in the race. A Saint Leo University Polling Institute poll showed Rubio with a strong lead over other Republicans. A Quinnipiac University Poll released Wednesday showed Rubio would be the mostly likely Republican to defeat the Democrats in November.

Photo courtesy of the Marco Rubio Facebook page