Rubio denies plans to quit State Department after GOP losses

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is considering leaving the Trump administration following Republicans' midterm election losses, though he has not made a final decision, according to people familiar with the matter. Rubio later denied plans to quit, saying he intended to serve through Trump's term. Rubio has discussed stepping down with White House officials and has been asked to stay, sources said. A departure before January would allow President Trump to nominate a replacement before Democrats take control of the Senate, where any nominee would face greater scrutiny. Rubio, a former Trump rival turned trusted aide, is seen as a potential 2028 presidential candidate alongside Vice President JD Vance. Stepping down could distance him from the unpopular Iran war, which contributed to Republican losses, though he has defended the attacks.