What's next for Rubio if he loses Florida?

Speculation about Rubio’s future has focused on the 2018 race for governor, when Rick Scott will be term limited. Winning the governorship could position Rubio for a comeback in national politics.

But several other Republicans have been circling the race, and it’s unclear whether Rubio still has the political strength at home to dominate a statewide race.

Will Weatherford, a former Florida House speaker, who is seen as a possible future candidate for the governorship or the Senate, told CNN this week that Rubio was a “gifted” politician with many doors open to him in Florida politics.

But, he said he did not believe Rubio could crowd other Republicans out of an open-seat race.

“There are other people that would and are considering that seat,” Weatherford said. “If he ran, he would be extremely viable, but I certainly don’t think he would clear the field.”