Category: Richest Politicians › Republicans
Net Worth: $400 Thousand
Salary: $174 Thousand
Birthdate: May 28, 1971 (Age: 53)
Birthplace: Miami, Florida, U.S.
Profession: Politician, Lawyer
Nationality: United States of America
Overview
Marco Rubio, a Republican politician and lawyer, has a net worth of $400,000. He has been serving as the senior U.S. Senator from Florida since 2011 and previously served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2000 to 2008, including a term as Speaker of the House. Despite earning millions throughout his career, Rubio has faced notable financial struggles, including significant debt and financial mismanagement. Rubio was a candidate for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination and has remained a prominent figure in conservative politics.
Early Life and Education
- Born: May 28, 1971, in Miami, Florida, to Cuban immigrants.
- Family Background: Rubio is the third of four children. His parents immigrated to the U.S. in 1956.
- Education:
- South Miami Senior High School: Graduated in 1989.
- University of Florida: Earned a BA in Political Science in 1993.
- University of Miami School of Law: Received a JD in 1996.
- Early Career: Interned for U.S. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen while still in law school.
Political Career
Florida House of Representatives (2000–2008):
- Elections: First elected in 1999 in a special election for the 111th House District. Reelected multiple times, often unopposed.
- House Speaker: Served as Speaker from 2006 to 2008.
- Legacy: Known for his “100 Innovative Ideas for Florida’s Future,” a legislative agenda derived from statewide public input.
U.S. Senate (2011–Present):
- 2010 Senate Election: Won a competitive race against Charlie Crist and Kendrick Meek.
- Key Policies:
- Opposes gun control and affordable health care reforms.
- Advocates for defense spending and a hawkish foreign policy.
- Supports public charter schools and opposes the federal Department of Education.
2016 Presidential Campaign:
- Launched his campaign in April 2015 but suspended it in March 2016 after losing the Florida primary to Donald Trump. Despite calling Trump “wholly unprepared,” Rubio later endorsed him.
Controversies and Positions:
- Rubio has been criticized for perpetuating baseless claims about election fraud and for his opposition to net neutrality, women’s rights, and climate change policies.
Financial Challenges
- Earnings: Between 1998 and 2008, Rubio earned $2.38 million from his legal career and political salary.
- Debt and Spending:
- By 2000, Rubio’s net worth was zero.
- In 2009, he reported a net worth of negative $37,000, largely due to student debt and mortgages.
- By 2018, his net worth had plummeted to negative $1.3 million, despite receiving an $800,000 advance for his 2012 biography.
Notable Financial Issues:
- Faced foreclosure on a Tallahassee property in 2015, selling it at an $18,000 loss.
- Purchased an $80,000 speedboat after receiving the book advance, sparking criticism over financial priorities.
Personal Life
- Spouse: Married Jeanette Dousdebes in 1998, a former Miami Dolphins cheerleader.
- Children: They have four children and live in West Miami, Florida.
- Real Estate:
- Bought his mother-in-law’s West Miami house in 2003 for $175,000.
- In 2005, upgraded to a new $550,000 home in the same area.
Legacy
Despite financial missteps, Marco Rubio remains an influential conservative voice in U.S. politics. His journey underscores his commitment to public service, even amidst financial and political challenges.
