Marco Rubio at a Glance
- Categories: Politicians, Politicians > Republicans
- Net Worth: $400 Thousand
- Birthdate: May 28, 1971 (53 years old)
- Birthplace: Miami
- Gender: Male
- Profession: Politician, Lawyer
- Nationality: United States of America
- Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Marco Rubio’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into His Finances and Career
Marco Rubio, a prominent figure in the Republican Party, has served as the senior U.S. Senator from Florida since 2011. His career, marked by both political achievements and financial struggles, has made him a subject of public interest. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Marco Rubio’s net worth, career trajectory, political stances, and personal life, offering insights into the factors that have shaped his financial standing and public image.
Early Life and Education
Born on May 28, 1971, in Miami, Florida, Marco Rubio’s upbringing was influenced by his parents, Oriales and Mario Rubio, who immigrated from Cuba in 1956 before the Cuban Revolution. He spent his formative years in Miami, attending South Miami Senior High School, from which he graduated in 1989. His educational journey continued with a brief stint at Tarkio College in Missouri before transferring to Santa Fe Community College in Florida. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Florida in 1993. Rubio furthered his education at the University of Miami School of Law, receiving his Juris Doctor (JD) in 1996.
Career Beginnings
During his law school years, Rubio gained practical experience through an internship with U.S. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. This early exposure to politics paved the way for his entry into public service. Two years after graduating from law school, he was elected as a city commissioner for West Miami, marking the beginning of his political career.
Florida House of Representatives
Rubio’s political career gained momentum in late 1999 when he ran in a special election for the 111th House District in the Florida House of Representatives. Despite initially placing second in the Republican primary, he secured victory in the runoff election and defeated Democrat Anastasia Garcia to win the seat. He was re-elected unopposed in 2000 and 2002, solidifying his position. Rubio continued to serve, winning his third and fourth terms in 2004 and 2006, respectively. During his final years in the Florida House, from late 2006 to late 2008, he served as House Speaker.
Teaching Career
After concluding his tenure in the Florida Legislature in 2008, Rubio transitioned to academia, becoming an adjunct professor at Florida International University under a fellowship appointment. He returned to the university in 2011 after joining the U.S. Senate, teaching courses on Florida legislative politics in the Department of Politics and International Relations.

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U.S. Senate
In 2009, Rubio announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Mel Martínez. He initially trailed incumbent governor Charlie Crist but ultimately secured the Republican nomination. In the general election, he defeated Democrat Kendrick Meek and began his tenure in the Senate in 2011. After suspending his presidential campaign in early 2016, he ran for reelection to the Senate and won a second term. He was reelected for a third term in 2022, defeating Democrat Val Demings. During his time in the Senate, Rubio has taken positions on a variety of issues. He was an early defender of the US embargo against Cuba and supported US involvement in the military campaign to overthrow Muammar Gaddafi in Libya. He voted against the Budget Control Act of 2011 and was part of a bipartisan group advocating for comprehensive immigration reform in 2013. He has also voted against expanding background checks for gun purchases and against publishing the Senate Intelligence Committee report on CIA torture.
2016 Presidential Campaign
In the spring of 2014, Rubio declared his intention to seek the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, officially launching his campaign the following year. However, his campaign was cut short in March 2016, when he suspended his bid after finishing second in the Florida primary. Despite previously criticizing Donald Trump, he later endorsed Trump for president.
Political Positions
Marco Rubio is known as a conservative Republican. His political stances are centered around:
- Defense spending.
- Support for the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
- Support for the U.S. military intervention in Libya in 2011.
- Opposition to women’s rights, net neutrality, and affordable health care.
- Denial of the reality of climate change.
- Opposition to gun control.
- Advocacy for the expansion of public charter schools.
- Advocacy for the shuttering of the federal Department of Education.
He has also been criticized for perpetuating claims of election fraud, particularly regarding the 2018 Florida Senate election and the 2020 U.S. presidential election. However, he eventually acknowledged Joe Biden’s victory and voted to certify the election results.
Personal Life and Real Estate
In 1998, Rubio married Jeanette Dousdebes, a former Miami Dolphins cheerleader. The couple has four children and resides in West Miami, Florida. His real estate dealings have attracted public interest, including moments of financial strain.
Financial Challenges
Rubio’s financial history reveals periods of both income and debt. Between 1998 and 2008, he earned $2.38 million from his law career and his position in the Florida House. However, he faced financial difficulties, reporting a net worth of zero when he was first elected to the House in 2000. His 2009 financial statement showed a negative net worth of $37,000 due to student debt and multiple mortgages. He experienced a property foreclosure on a Tallahassee home after missing mortgage payments and sold the home at an $18,000 loss in 2015. In 2012, he received an $800,000 advance for a biography, but his spending habits, including the purchase of an $80,000 speedboat, led to further financial strain. His 2018 financial statement reported a net worth of negative $1.3 million.
Net Worth Summary
Marco Rubio’s net worth has fluctuated throughout his career, reflecting his political and personal financial decisions. As of recent estimates, his net worth is around $400,000. This figure is influenced by his Senate salary, book deals, and real estate holdings, as well as his historical financial challenges. Despite his financial ups and downs, Rubio remains a significant figure in American politics, continuing to influence policy and public discourse.