Encyclopedia · Biography
Marco Rubio
American politician, former Florida senator and U.S. secretary of state
Personal details
- Full name
- Marco Antonio Rubio
- Born
- May 28, 1971 · Miami, Florida
- Parents
- Mario Rubio Reina; Oriales García Rubio (Cuban immigrants)
- Education
- South Miami Senior High School (1989); University of Florida, B.S. political science (1993); University of Miami, J.D. (1996)
- Political party
- Republican
- Religion
- Roman Catholic
- Spouse
- Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio
- Children
- Amanda, Daniella, Anthony and Dominic
- Public service
- Florida House (2000–2008; speaker 2006–2008); U.S. Senate (2011–2025); U.S. secretary of state (2025– )
Marco Antonio Rubio (born 1971) is an American Republican politician who served as a U.S. senator from Florida from 2011 to 2025 and became U.S. secretary of state in 2025.
Family and education
Rubio was born in Miami to Cuban immigrant parents and raised in South Florida. His father worked as a bartender and his mother in hotel and service jobs. Rubio earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida and a law degree at the University of Miami. He married Jeanette Dousdebes; they have four children.
Legal practice and Florida government
Rubio practiced law at Broad and Cassel and a private law firm and lectured at Florida International University. He was a West Miami city commissioner from 1998 to 2000, then served in the Florida House for eight years, including as speaker from 2006 to 2008.
National political service
Rubio won the 2010 U.S. Senate election following a primary contest with then-governor Charlie Crist. Senator Jim DeMint endorsed Rubio in June 2009; the Senate Conservatives Fund raised money for Rubio during the campaign. Rubio sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. He was appointed U.S. secretary of state in January 2025 under President Donald Trump.
References
Research compiled through November 12, 2026. Sources and historical roles are dated where known.