Rick Scott Considering 2018 U.S. Senate Run: Reports

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s political career may not come to an end in 2018 when he terms out as the state’s leader. The Republican is reportedly entertaining the idea of running for the seat held by U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson.

Scott won his second term as governor in 2014 with a slim victory over former Gov. Charlie Crist. Under state law, he is unable to seek a third four-year term.

Scott is currently attending the Republican Governors Association’s annual conference in Orlando, which runs through Nov. 16. It was there during a Tuesday interview Scott admitted going after Nelson’s seat in 2018 is an “option,” several media outlets have reported.

Rumors of Scott’s possible entry into the race have been circulating for some time. They re-emerged after Scott said he had no intention of accepting a possible appointment to serve as the Secretary of Health and Human Services in President-election Donald Trump’s administration.

See also: Gov. Rick Scott Going to Washington?

Scott elaborated on his unwillingness to accept a position in Trump’s administration last week. “I want to do everything I can to help him (Trump), but I love my job here,” the Tampa Bay Times quoted him as saying.

Scott has been a staunch supporter of Trump’s campaign since the New York businessman won the Florida Presidential Preference Primary in March.

In addition to imploring Republicans to end the “Stop Trump” movement, he also was named the national chair for Rebuilding America Now back in July. The super PAC was one of several that supported Trump’s campaign.

“It’s time for us to fire the politicians,” Scott said in a July statement announcing the appointment. “That’s what this election is all about, and that’s why I am excited to chair the Rebuilding America Now Super PAC to help Donald Trump.”

Following the announcement of Trump’s presidential win, Scott took to Twitter to offer his support for the new administration.

“Congrats to my friend @realDonaldTrump, our next president,” he wrote. “Had a smooth election in FL. Look forward to having a partner in the White House.”

Just how serious Scott is exploring a run against Nelson, a Democrat who first won his seat in 2000, remains unclear. He said his current “whole focus is how do I do my best job as governor,” Politico reported. Scott still has more than 780 days left on his term.

Nelson, a Miami native, has not yet officially announced a 2018 run, but it’s widely believed he will seek to retain his seat. Nelson served in the Florida House of Representatives in the 1970s before winning a seat in the U.S. House in 1979. He served in the House until 1991. Following a failed bid for governor, he became the state’s treasurer, insurance commissioner and fire marshal.

Photo via Gov. Rick Scott’s Facebook page