Florida Gov. Rick Scott intends to stay in office until the very last day of his term — even though his new job as senator is set to start five days earlier.
Scott beat Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson in November, for a term set to begin Jan. 3, 2019. But Scott’s second term as governor doesn’t end until Jan. 8. On Tuesday, Scott announced he will remain in his current role until his Republican successor, Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis, is sworn in.
“Gov. Scott will remain governor until Jan. 8, 2019,” John Tupps, Scott’s communications director, told The Miami Herald. “U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has agreed to hold the ceremony for Gov. Scott’s swearing-in as U.S. senator from Florida that afternoon.”
Scott’s decision will have practical effects for his new job. He’ll enter the chamber last in seniority, which affects committee assignments and other Senate issues. Had Scott decided to join the Senate Jan. 3, he would have entered 97th out of 100 in seniority.
