Florida Governor Rick Scott says he will not leave his post earlier than expected

Gov. Rick Scott will not become Senator Scott until January 8th.

Scott announced Tuesday that he would remain in his current position until Governor-elect Ron DeSantis is sworn in. Scott, who kept his plans secret for weeks, had become an American senator five days before the end of his term as governor.

"Governor Scott will remain governor until January 8, 2019," said John Tupps, Scott's director of communications. "US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has agreed to hold the swearing-in ceremony of Governor Scott as an American Senator from Florida that afternoon." DeSantis will be sworn in on January 8th.

Scott's decision means he will come to Washington as a new senator. He would have been 97th on the list of seniority. Seniority, which plays a major role in areas such as the distribution of seats in the Senate Chamber, offices and committee assignments.

Tupps said the reason Scott stayed at his post was because he "had promised to fight for Florida families every day of his tenure." -Cantera, who holds this position since 2014. Scott is one of seven new Republican Senators elected in November.

Most Florida officials who seek another position are required to submit their resignations in writing under the sign of the resignation of the state. law.

This law prohibits anyone from holding two public positions simultaneously. Scott was not obliged to sign such a letter because his term of office was to expire and end during the same main period of activity as the federal office he was seeking. The last time, a similar situation occurred when Governor Bob Graham, who had two terms, was elected to the Senate and resigned as governor on January 3, 1987.

Governor Wayne Mixson, a legislator from the panhandle town of Marianna, held office until Bob Martinez was sworn in as governor three days later. Mixson, 96 still lives in Tallahassee. The specialty license tag on his golden Lexus sedan says "1 AND 2" because he was occupying both positions.

"This is an uncomfortable position," said Mixon Tuesday. "But I took advantage of it."

He adds that Lopez-Cantera will miss an official portrait in the capital, as well as the power to stay at the governor's mansion and make an appointment. During his few days in office, Mixon named 40 people to local positions left vacant by Graham. He also held a cabinet meeting and organized a party for the manor staff.

"It was a good rolickin party," said Mixon. "Bob and I get along so well. It was really an honor. "