TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis is calling for immediate elections to replace two Republican members of the U.S. House ascending into President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.

Trump tapped Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz to serve as U.S. Attorney General and Florida Rep. Mike Waltz to serve as National Security Advisor. Trump also chose Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to serve as U.S. Secretary of State. However, state law empowers DeSantis to appoint a Senate replacement.

“We will have this schedule posted soon, and we are working to ensure these special elections are conducted as soon as possible,” said Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd.

Special elections, though, could take weeks if not months to complete. State law dictates various procedures related to special elections, including rules on qualifying, plus the subsequent primary and general election.

“I’ve instructed Secretary of State Cord Byrd to formulate and announce a schedule for the upcoming special elections immediately,” said DeSantis.

Congressional District 1, a conservative stronghold that spans across a portion of Northwest Florida, will host a special election to replace Gaetz.

Congressional District 6, which encompasses portions of northeast Central Florida, will also host a special election to replace Waltz.

Meanwhile, DeSantis has provided few details about replacing Rubio.

Speculators, however, are floating several names, including: Republican National Committee Chair Lara Trump, DeSantis’ Chief of Staff James Uthmeier, Florida Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez, and Attorney General Ashley Moody. 

“I wouldn’t be surprised if President Trump got his favorite list,” said Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis. “I’m sure Gov. DeSantis has his favorite list. I don’t know if they’re comparing notes or not. It seems like both men have an awful lot on their plate.”

Whoever DeSantis chooses would serve until 2026 and would then need to run for office in the midterm election.