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• Marco Rubio

• Republican Party

2011 - Present

Compensation

November 8, 2022

South Miami Senior High School

University of Florida, 1993

University of Miami School of Law, 1996

Official website

Official Facebook

Official Twitter

Official Instagram

Official YouTube

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

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Personal Twitter

Marco Rubio ( Republican Party ) is a member of the U.S. Senate from Florida. He assumed office on January 3, 2011. His current term ends on January 3, 2029.

Rubio ( Republican Party ) ran for re-election to the U.S. Senate to represent Florida. He won in the general election on November 8, 2022 .

Rubio was first elected to the Senate in 2010 to replace retiring incumbent Mel Martinez (R). In the general election, Rubio defeated Kendrick B. Meek (D) and Gov. Charlie Crist (I). Crist had been running in the Republican primary against Rubio but dropped out to run as an independent after polling showed Rubio in the lead. [1]

In April 2015, Rubio announced that he was running for president of the United States in 2016 and said he would not seek re-election to his Senate seat in 2016. [2] Rubio dropped out of the presidential election in March 2016 after coming in second to Donald Trump in the Florida Republican primary. In June, Rubio announced that he would seek re-election to his Senate seat. He won re-election with 52 percent of the vote.

He previously was a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2000 to 2008, serving as majority leader from 2003 to 2006 and House speaker from 2006 to 2008. Before serving in the state House, Rubio was a member of the West Miami City Commission. [3] Rubio's parents immigrated to the United States from Cuba in 1956. [4]

On May 18, 2020, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R ) announced Rubio as the interim chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Rubio replaced Senator Richard Burr ( R ) who stepped down from the position on May 15, 2020, due to a pending federal investigation . [5]

As of a 2014 analysis of multiple outside rankings , Rubio is an average Republican member of Congress, meaning he will vote with the Republican Party on the majority of bills.

• 1 Biography
• 3.1.1 2017-2018
• 3.1.2 2015-2016
• 3.1.3 2013-2014
• 3.1.4 2011-2012
• 4.1 Key votes: 118th Congress, 2023
• 4.2 Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress
• 4.3 Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023
• 4.4 Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2020
• 4.5 Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018
• 4.6.1.1 Trade Act of 2015
• 4.6.1.2 2016 Budget proposal
• 4.6.1.3 Defense spending authorization
• 4.6.1.4 2015 budget
• 4.6.2.1 Iran nuclear deal
• 4.6.3.1 USA FREEDOM Act of 2015
• 4.6.3.2 Loretta Lynch AG nomination
• 4.6.3.3 Cyber security
• 4.6.4 Immigration
• 4.7 113th Congress
• 4.8.1 Committee vote on Syria
• 4.8.2 John Brennan CIA nomination
• 4.9.1 Farm bill
• 4.9.2 2014 Budget
• 4.9.3 Government shutdown
• 4.9.4 No Budget, No Pay Act of 2013
• 4.10.1 Mexico-U.S. border
• 4.11.1 Violence Against Women (2013)
• 4.12.1 Fiscal Cliff
• 5.1.1 Letter to Iran
• 5.1.2 Drones filibuster
• 5.2.1 Secure border
• 5.3.1 Chief of staff
• 5.3.2 Obama and Castro handshake
• 5.4.1 Obamacare ad buy
• 5.4.2 Petition to defund Obamacare
• 5.5.1 Education reform
• 5.6.1 Janet Yellen nomination
• 6.2.1 Senate
• 6.2.2 Presidency
• 8 Notable endorsements
• 9 Campaign finance summary
• 10.1 Possible 2024 Republican vice presidential nominee
• 11.1 PGI: Change in net worth
• 11.2 PGI: Donation Concentration Metric
• 12.1 Ideology and leadership
• 12.2 Like-minded colleagues
• 12.3 Lifetime voting record
• 12.4 Congressional staff salaries
• 12.5.1 2013
• 12.5.2 2012
• 12.5.3 2011
• 12.6.1 2014
• 12.6.2 2013
• 13 Personal
• 14 See also
• 15 External links
• 16 Footnotes

Born to a family of Cuban immigrants, Rubio was raised in Miami, FL , and Las Vegas, NV . He attended South Miami Senior High School and graduated in 1989. He then attended Tarkio College for one year on a football scholarship from 1989 to 1990, before enrolling at Santa Fe Community College (later renamed Santa Fe College). He earned a B.S. degree from the University of Florida in 1993 and his J.D. degree cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law in 1996. [3]

Below is an abbreviated outline of Rubio's academic, professional, and political career: [6]

• 2011-Present: U.S. Senator from Florida
• 2006-2008: Speaker
• 2003-2006: Majority Leader
• 1998-2000: West Miami City Commission
• 1996: Graduated from the University of Miami with a J.D.
• 1993: Graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S.

Committee assignments

U.s. senate.

Rubio was assigned to the following committees: [Source]

• Senate Committee on Appropriations
• Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government
• Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
• Subcommittee on Legislative Branch
• Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
• Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
• Committee on Foreign Relations
• Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation
• Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism
• Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues , Ranking Member
• Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
• Committee on Intelligence (Select) , Vice Chairman
• Committee on Aging (Special)
• Subcommittee On Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, And Global Women's Issues , Ranking member
• Subcommittee On Africa And Global Health Policy
• Subcommittee On State Department And USAID Management, International Operations, And Bilateral International Development
• Committee on Intelligence (Select) , Vice Chair
• Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
• Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
• Legislative Branch
• State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs
• Committee on Intelligence (Select) , Interim chairman
• Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship , Chairman

At the beginning of the 115th Congress , Rubio was assigned to the following committees: [7]

• Committee on Intelligence (Select)
• Committee on Appropriations

Rubio served on the following committees: [8]

• Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security
• Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet
• Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard , Chairman
• Subcommittee on Space, Science, and Competitiveness
• Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy
• Subcommittee on East Asia, The Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy
• Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights and Global Women's Issues , Chairman
• Select Committee on Intelligence
• Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee

Rubio served on the following committees: [9]

• Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security
• Subcommittee on Science and Space
• Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard
• The Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps and Global Narcotics Affairs
• The Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs
• The Subcommittee on International Operations and Organizations, Human Rights, Democracy and Global Women's Issues
• The Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs Ranking Member
• United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence

Rubio served on the following committees:

• Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps and Narcotics Affairs (Ranking Member)
• Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs
• Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs
• Subcommittee on International Development and Foreign Assistance, Economic Affairs, and International Environmental Protection
• United States Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here .

Key votes: 118th Congress, 2023

The 118th United States Congress began on January 3, 2023, at which point Republicans held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (222-212), and Democrats held the majority in the U.S. Senate (51-49). Joe Biden (D) was the president and Kamala Harris (D) was the vice president. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

Key votes: 116th congress, 2019-2020.

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018

Voted Nay on:  First Step Act of 2018 (S 756)

Voted Nay on:  Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (HR 2)

Voted Yea on:  "Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States" (PN2259)

Voted Yea on:  Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)

Voted Yea on:  Immigration reform proposal from Sen. Chuck Grassley and the Trump administration (S Amdt 1959 to HR 2579)

Voted Nay on:  Immigration reform proposal from the Common Sense Coalition (S Amdt 1958 to HR 2579)

Voted Yea on:  Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act amendment (S Amdt 1948 to S Amdt 1959)

Voted Nay on:  Coons-McCain immigration plan (S Amdt 1955 to S Amdt 1958)

Voted Yea on:  Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (S 2311)

Voted Yea on:  An amendment to repeal the requirements for individuals to enroll in health insurance and for employers to offer it—"Skinny bill" (S Amdt 667 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628 the American Health Care Act of 2017)

Voted Yea on:  An amendment to repeal the ACA, including Paul amendment (No. 271) (S Amdt 271 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628)

Voted Yea on:  Motion to advance the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017, including Cruz and Portman amendments (S Amdt 270 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628)

Voted Yea on:  Motion to begin debate on the American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)

Voted Yea on:  Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(4)—confirmation vote)

Voted Yea on:  Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(3))

Voted Nay on:  Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(2))

Voted Yea on:  Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55)

Voted Yea on:  "Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 6157)

Voted Yea on:  "Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 5895)

Voted Yea on:  Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)

Voted Yea on:  The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)

Voted Yea on:  Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)

Voted Yea on:  Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)

Voted Yea on:  Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)

Voted Yea on:  Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

Voted Yea on:  "A joint resolution making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes." (HJ Res 123)

Voted Yea on:  A concurrent resolution establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

Did not vote on:  Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)

Voted Yea on:  Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)

Voted Nay on:  "A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress." (SJ Res 54)

Did not vote on:  National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)

Voted Yea on:  Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)

Voted Yea on:  Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act of 2017 (S 722)

114th Congress

The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. [77] [78] The Senate confirmed 18,117 out of 21,815 executive nominations received (83 percent). For more information pertaining to Rubio's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections. [79]

Economic and fiscal

Trade act of 2015.

2016 Budget proposal

Defense spending authorization, 2015 budget.

Foreign Affairs

Iran nuclear deal, usa freedom act of 2015, loretta lynch ag nomination, cyber security, immigration.

• 113th Congress

The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. [114] The Senate confirmed 13,949 out of 18,323 executive nominations received (76.1 percent). For more information pertaining to Rubio's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections. [115]

National security

Committee vote on syria.

The vote came after a three-hour briefing with top Obama administration officials, including Secretary of State John Kerry and James Clapper, the director of national intelligence. [116]

Of the nine Democratic members and eight Republican members that make up the committee, seven Democrats and three Republicans voted in favor, while five Republicans and two Democrats opposed the authorization. [116] A single "present" vote was cast by Ed Markey ( D ). Rubio was one of the five Republicans who opposed the authorization. [118]

John Brennan CIA nomination

2014 budget.

Rubio voted with 25 other Republican members against the bill. [122] [123]

Government shutdown

No budget, no pay act of 2013, mexico-u.s. border, social issues, violence against women (2013), previous congressional sessions, fiscal cliff, letter to iran.

On March 9, 2015, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) wrote a letter to Iran's leadership, warning them that signing a nuclear deal with the Obama administration without congressional approval constituted only an executive agreement. The letter also stated that "The next president could revoke such an executive agreement with the stroke of a pen and future Congresses could modify the terms of the agreement at any time." The letter was signed by 47 Republican members of the Senate . Rubio was one of the 47 who signed the letter. No Democrats signed it. [128]

Members of the Obama administration and of Congress reacted to the letter. [129] Vice President Joe Biden said of the letter, "In thirty-six years in the United States Senate, I cannot recall another instance in which senators wrote directly to advise another country — much less a longtime foreign adversary — that the president does not have the constitutional authority to reach a meaningful understanding with them." [130]

Drones filibuster

On March 6, 2013, Senator Rand Paul (R) led a 13-hour filibuster of President Obama's CIA Director nominee, John Brennan. Paul started the filibuster in order to highlight his concerns about the administration's drone policies. In particular, Paul said he was concerned about whether a drone could be used to kill an American citizen within the United States border without any due process involved. Paul and other civil liberties activists were critical of President Obama for not offering a clear response to the question. A total of 14 senators joined Paul in the filibuster—13 Republicans and one Democrat. [131] [132] [133]

Rubio was one of the 13 Republican senators who joined Paul in his filibuster. [134] [135]

Thirty Republican senators did not support the filibuster. [136] [137] [138]

The day after the filibuster, Attorney General Eric Holder sent a letter to Paul , responding to the filibuster. Holder wrote, "Does the president have the authority to use a weaponized drone to kill an American not engaged in combat on U.S. soil? The answer to that is no." [139]

Secure border

“The only way we're going to ever make progress on this issue is to first deal with illegal immigration, secure the border, win people's confidence that in a reality this problem is under control,” Rubio said on August 10, 2014. [140]

Chief of staff

Rubio announced on April 11, 2014, that his longtime chief of staff Cesar Conda was leaving his post to take a position with Rubio’s PAC, Reclaim America. [141]

Obama and Castro handshake

Rubio criticized President Obama on December 10, 2013, after the president shook hands with Cuban leader Raul Castro at the memorial service for Nelson Mandela. [142]

“If the president was going to shake his hand, he should have asked him about those basic freedoms Mandela was associated with that are denied in Cuba,” Rubio said. [142]

Obamacare ad buy

Rubio sent a letter on September 3, 2013, to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius that asked why the agency spent at least $8.7 million to promote the Affordable Care Act through television ads. [143] [144]

“Until critical questions can be answered regarding the availability and type of health insurance to be provided by ObamaCare , it is unconscionable to spend taxpayer dollars to promote and advertise ObamaCare plans that have yet to be finalized. While the Administration should be abandoning this disastrous law, instead it is imprudently and blindly promoting poor policies that will harm Americans and American businesses, and misappropriating public funds in an effort to sell bad ideas to good people,” he wrote.

HHS spokeswoman Joanne Peters defended the administration’s decision to spend money on the issue. “Starting Oct. 1, millions of Americans will be able to access quality, affordable health coverage for the first time, and we will continue educating and informing the uninsured of this opportunity,” she wrote in an email. [144]

Petition to defund Obamacare

Senators Rand Paul and Marco Rubio agreed on defunding President Barack Obama ’s health care law in August 2013 and both of the senators gathered petitions to defund the law. [145]

Education reform

On February 10, 2014, Rubio unveiled a series of education reform proposals. Three of those education reform proposals aimed to reduce the cost of college and graduate school. [146] One of the proposals called for private investment groups to pay for tuition in exchange for a percentage of future earnings. It would not replace federally subsidized student loans, but would instead provide an alternative to students who do not want to take on the cost of college as debt. [146]

Janet Yellen nomination

Rubio said on November 21, 2013, that he opposed Janet Yellen ’s nomination to be the next head of the Federal Reserve , saying her expansive views on monetary policy risk creating asset bubbles. [147]

See also:  United States Senate election in Florida, 2022

General election

General election for u.s. senate florida.

The following candidates ran in the general election for U.S. Senate Florida on November 8, 2022.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Jason Holic (No Party Affiliation)
• Carlos Barberena (No Party Affiliation)
• Shantele Bennett (No Party Affiliation)
• Ahmad Saide (No Party Affiliation)
• Timothy Devine (No Party Affiliation)
• Grace Granda (No Party Affiliation)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for u.s. senate florida.

Val Demings defeated Brian Rush , William Sanchez , and Ricardo De La Fuente in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Florida on August 23, 2022.

• Allen Ellison (D)
• Edward Abud (D)
• Joshua Weil (D)
• Alan Grayson (D)
• Allek Pastrana (D)
• Ken Russell (D)
• Coleman Watson (D)
• Albert Fox (D)

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Marco Rubio advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Florida.

• Calvin Driggers (R)
• Angela Marie Walls-Windhauser (R)
• Jake Loubriel (R)
• Luis Miguel (R)
• Josue Larose (R)
• Ervan Katari Miller (R)
• Earl Yearicks IV (R)
• Kevin DePuy (R)

Libertarian primary election

The Libertarian primary election was canceled. Dennis Misigoy advanced from the Libertarian primary for U.S. Senate Florida.

The race for Florida's U.S. Senate seat was one of nine competitive battleground races in 2016 that that helped Republicans maintain control of the Senate. Incumbent Sen. Marco Rubio (R) defeated U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy (D), Iraq war veteran Paul Stanton (L), and nine independent and write-in candidates in the general election, which took place on November 8, 2016. According to Politico , Rubio was “the first Republican senator from the Sunshine State ever to win reelection in a presidential election year.” [148] [149]

Rubio called Murphy "hyper-partisan," "a rubber stamp for, God forbid, a Clinton presidency," and accused him of fabricating his qualifications. [150] [151] [152] [153] Murphy criticized Rubio, saying, "Sen. Rubio has the worst vote attendance record of any Florida senator in nearly 50 years." Murphy's spokeswoman Galia Slayen said, "Marco Rubio is willing to abandon his responsibility to Floridians and hand over our country's national security to Donald Trump, as long as it advances his own political career." [154]

In his victory speech, Rubio said, “[I] hope that I and my colleagues as we return to work in Washington D.C. can set a better example how political discourse should exist in this country. And I know people feel betrayed and you have a right to. Every major institution in our society has failed us — the media, the government, big business, Wall Street, academia — they have all failed us. So people are so frustrated and angry. But we must channel that anger and frustration into something positive. Let it move us forward as energy to confront and solve our challenges and our problems.” [155]

Rubio was a Republican candidate for the office of President of the United States in 2016. On April 13, 2015, Rubio announced his presidential run on a conference call with donors. He referred to himself as "uniquely qualified" for the nomination. The call came hours before a scheduled campaign rally in Miami. [156]

On March 15, 2016, Rubio suspended his presidential campaign after coming in second to Donald Trump in the Florida Republican primary . [157] Rubio told his supporters in Miami, Florida , that "after tonight, it is clear that while we are on the right side, this year, we will not be on the winning side." [158]

Previously, in May 2014, when ABC reporter Jonathan Karl asked Rubio if he thought he was ready to be president, Rubio said, “I do … but I think that’s true for multiple other people that would want to run … I mean, I’ll be 43 this month, but the other thing that perhaps people don’t realize, I’ve served now in public office for the better part of 14 years. Most importantly, I think a president has to have a clear vision of where the country needs to go and clear ideas about how to get it there and I think we’re very blessed in our party to have a number of people that fit that criteria." [159] Sixteen senators have been elected to the presidency, including President Barack Obama . [160]

On November 2, 2010, Rubio won election to the United States Senate . He defeated Kendrick B. Meek (D), Alexander Andrew Snitker (L), Bernie DeCastro (I), Charlie Crist (I), Sue Askeland (I), Rick Tyler (I), Lewis Jerome Armstrong (I), Bobbie Bean (I), Bruce Ray Riggs (I), Piotr Blass (I), Richard Lock (I), Belinda Gail Quarterman-Noah (I), Geroge Drake (I), Robert Monroe (I), Howard Knepper (I) and Carol Ann Joyce LaRose (I) in the general election. [161]

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses.

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Marco Rubio did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

The following issues were listed on Rubio's campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here .

Notable endorsements

This section displays endorsements this individual made in elections within Ballotpedia's coverage and endorsements scopes.

Campaign finance summary

Noteworthy events, possible 2024 republican vice presidential nominee.

Media reports have discussed Rubio as a possible Republican vice presidential candidate. [163] Former President Donald Trump (R) became the presumptive Republican presidential nominee on March 12, 2024, and is expected to select a running mate ahead of the 2024 Republican National Convention (RNC), which will take place from July 15 to 18.

In 2020 , President Joe Biden (D) announced Vice President Kamala Harris (D) as his running mate six days before the start of the Democratic National Convention (DNC). In 2016, both Hillary Clinton (D) and Trump announced their running mates three days before the DNC and RNC, respectively.

Personal Gain Index

The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants. It consists of two different metrics:

• Changes in Net Worth
• The Donation Concentration Metric

PGI: Change in net worth

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org , Rubio's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $259,019 and $860,000. That averages to $559,509.50 , which is lower than the average net worth of Republican senators in 2012 of $6,956,438.47. Rubio ranked as the 79th most wealthy senator in 2012. [164] Between 2009 and 2012, Rubio's starting negative calculated net worth [165] increased. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent. [166]

The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership, and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.

PGI: Donation Concentration Metric

Filings required by the Federal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated by OpenSecrets.org , Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). Rubio received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Retired industry.

From 2009-2014, 21.09 percent of Rubio's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below. [168]

Ideology and leadership

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack , Rubio was a " rank-and-file Republican ," as of July 22, 2014. This was the same rating Rubio received in June 2013. [169]

Like-minded colleagues

The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party. [170]

Lifetime voting record

According to the website GovTrack, Marco Rubio missed 156 of 1,412 roll call votes from January 2011 to September 2015. This amounts to 11 percent, which is worse than the median of 1.6 percent among current senators as of September 2015. [171]

Congressional staff salaries

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Rubio paid his congressional staff a total of $2,245,565 in 2011. He ranked 17th on the list of the lowest paid Republican senatorial staff salaries and ranked 23rd overall of the lowest paid senatorial staff salaries in 2011. Overall, Florida ranked second in average salary for senatorial staff. The average U.S. Senate congressional staff was paid $2,529,141.70 in fiscal year 2011. [172]

National Journal vote ratings

Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year.

Rubio ranked 17th in the conservative rankings in 2013. [173]

Rubio ranked 17th in the conservative rankings in 2012. [174]

Rubio ranked 13th in the conservative rankings in 2011. [175]

Voting with party

The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.

Rubio voted with the Republican Party 79.2 percent of the time, which ranked 42nd among the 45 Senate Republican members as of July 2014. [176]

Rubio voted with the Republican Party 84.4 percent of the time, which ranked 38th among the 46 Senate Republican members as of June 2013. [177]

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.

Rubio and his wife, Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio, have been married since 1998. They are the parents of four children. They live in West Miami. [178]

2022 Elections

• Newsletters

External links

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• ↑ Tampa Bay Times , "Charlie Crist will run for Senate with no party affiliation," April 28, 2010
• ↑ National Journal , "After Rubio, Florida Senate Scramble Starts in Earnest," April 13, 2015
• ↑ 3.0 3.1 Marco Rubio-United States Senator for Florida , "Biography-About Marco," accessed October 13, 2011
• ↑ Washington Post , "Marco Rubio’s compelling family story embellishes facts, documents show," October 20, 2011
• ↑ Politico , "Marco Rubio tapped to serve as Senate Intelligence Committee chairman," May 18, 2020
• ↑ Biographical Director of the United States Congress, "RUBIO, Marco, (1971 - )," accessed February 12, 2015
• ↑ United States Senate , "Committee Assignments of the 115th Congress," accessed January 19, 2017
• ↑ United States Senate , "Committee Assignments of the 114th Congress," accessed February 17, 2015
• ↑ Congressional Quarterly , "Senate Committee List," accessed January 22, 2013
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.R.2670 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024," accessed February 27, 2024
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.R.6363 - Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024," accessed February 27, 2024
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.R.5860 - Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act," accessed February 27, 2024
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.R.3746 - Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023," accessed February 27, 2024
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.J.Res.7 - Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020." accessed February 23, 2024
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.J.Res.44 - Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives relating to "Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached 'Stabilizing Braces'"" accessed February 28, 2024
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.J.Res.30 - Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to 'Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights'." accessed February 23, 2024
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.R.3684 - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act," accessed April 15, 2022
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.R.1319 - American Rescue Plan Act of 2021," accessed April 15, 2022
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.R.5376 - Inflation Reduction Act of 2022," accessed January 20, 2023
• ↑ Congress.gov , "S.1605 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022," accessed April 15, 2022
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.R.7776 - James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023," accessed January 20, 2023
• ↑ Congress.gov , "S.3373 - Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022," accessed January 20, 2023
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.R.4346 - Chips and Science Act," accessed January 20, 2023
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.R.3755 - Women's Health Protection Act of 2021," accessed April 15, 2022
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.R.2471 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022," accessed January 20, 2023
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.R.8404 - Respect for Marriage Act," accessed January 20, 2023
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.R.6833 - Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023," accessed January 20, 2023
• ↑ Congress.gov , "S.937 - COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act," accessed April 15, 2022
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.R.3076 - Postal Service Reform Act of 2022," accessed January 23, 2023
• ↑ Congress.gov , "S.2938 - Bipartisan Safer Communities Act," accessed January 20, 2023
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.R.5305 - Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act," accessed January 23, 2023
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.Res.24 - Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.," accessed April 15, 2022
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.R.350 - Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2022," accessed January 23, 2023
• ↑ Congress.gov , "S.Con.Res.14 - A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2022 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2023 through 2031.," accessed April 15, 2022
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.R.5746 - Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act," accessed January 20, 2023
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.R.2617 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023," accessed January 20, 2023
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment with an Amendment)," December 18, 2018
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Conference Report (Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 2)," December 11, 2018
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Nomination (Confirmation Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States)," October 6, 2018
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture Re: Brett M. Kavanaugh to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States)," October 5, 2018
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 2, As Amended)," June 28, 2018
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on Amdt. No. 1959)," February 15, 2018
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on Amdt. No. 1958 As Modified)," February 15, 2018
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on Amdt. No. 1948)," February 15, 2018
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on Amdt. No. 1955)," February 15, 2018
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed (Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to the Consideration of S. 2311)," January 29, 2018
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Amendment (McConnell Amdt. No. 667)," July 28, 2017
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Amendment (Paul Amdt. No. 271 )," July 26, 2017
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Motion (Motion to Waive All Applicable Budgetary Discipline Re: Amdt. No. 270)," July 25, 2017
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Motion to Proceed (Motion to Proceed to H.R. 1628)," July 25, 2017
• ↑ U.S. Senate , "On the Nomination (Confirmation: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States)," April 7, 2017
• ↑ U.S. Senate , "On the Cloture Motion (Upon Reconsideration, Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Nomination of Neil M. Gorsuch of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States)," April 6, 2017
• ↑ U.S. Senate , "On the Decision of the Chair (Shall the Decision of the Chair Stand as the Judgment of the Senate?)," April 6, 2017
• ↑ U.S. Senate , "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Nomination of Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States)," April 6, 2017
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Conference Report (Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 6157)," September 18, 2018
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Conference Report (Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 5895)," September 12, 2018
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On Passage of the Bill (H. R. 6157 As Amended)," August 23, 2018
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 5895 As Amended)," June 25, 2018
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1625)," March 23, 2018
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1892 with an Amendment (SA 1930))," February 9, 2018
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 695)," February 8, 2018
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment with Further Amendment)," January 22, 2018
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture: Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 195)," January 22, 2018
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture: House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 195)," January 19, 2018
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1370)," December 21, 2017
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Motion to Recede from the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1 and Concur with Further Amendment ," December 20, 2017
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Joint Resolution (H.J. Res. 123)," December 7, 2017
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 1 As Amended )," December 2, 2017
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Concurrent Resolution (H. Con. Res. 71 As Amended)," October 19, 2017
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amdt. to the Senate Amdt. with an Amdt. No. 808 to H.R. 601)," September 7, 2017
• ↑ U.S. Senate , "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 244)," May 4, 2017
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Joint Resolution (S.J. Res. 54, As Amended), December 13, 2018
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 2810 As Amended)," September 18, 2017
• ↑ The Hill , "Senate sends $692B defense policy bill to Trump's desk," November 15, 2017
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 3364)," July 27, 2017
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On Passage of the Bill (S. 722 As Amended)," June 15, 2017
• ↑ Congressional Record , "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the 113th Congress," accessed April 29, 2015
• ↑ Congressional Record , "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 114th Congress," accessed January 5, 2017
• ↑ Congressional Record , "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress," April 13, 2015
• ↑ Congress.gov , "HR 1314," accessed May 25, 2015
• ↑ Senate.gov , "H.R. 1314 (Ensuring Tax Exempt Organizations the Right to Appeal Act)," accessed May 25, 2015
• ↑ Senate.gov , "Roll Call for HR 2146," June 24, 2015
• ↑ The Hill , "Senate approves fast-track, sending trade bill to White House," June 24, 2015
• ↑ The Hill , "Obama signs trade bills," June 29, 2015
• ↑ Congress.gov , "S.Con.Res.11," accessed May 5, 2015
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Conference Report (Conference Report to Accompany S. Con. Res. 11)," accessed May 5, 2015
• ↑ The Hill , "Republicans pass a budget, flexing power of majority," accessed May 5, 2015
• ↑ The Hill , "Redone defense policy bill sails through House," accessed November 12, 2015
• ↑ Congress.gov , "S. 1356," accessed November 12, 2015
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S. 1356)," accessed November 12, 2015
• ↑ Clerk.House.gov , "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 618," accessed November 12, 2015
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture Re: Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 1735)," accessed October 6, 2015
• ↑ Clerk.House.gov , "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 239," accessed May 27, 2015
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.R. 1735," accessed May 27, 2015
• ↑ Congress.gov , "HR 1314 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015," accessed November 1, 2015
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1314)," accessed November 1, 2015
• ↑ Clerk.House.gov , "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 579," accessed November 1, 2015
• ↑ Congress.gov , "HR 1191," accessed May 8, 2015
• ↑ Senate.gov , "H.R. 1191," accessed May 8, 2015
• ↑ Congress.gov , "S.Amdt.2640 to H.J.Res.61," accessed September 10, 2015
• ↑ Congress.gov , "HJ Res 61," accessed September 10, 2015
• ↑ Senates.gov , "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on McConnell Amdt. No. 2640 )," accessed September 16, 2015
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on McConnell Amdt. No. 2640 )," accessed September 17, 2015
• ↑ Congress.gov , "S.Amdt.2656 to S.Amdt.2640," accessed September 17, 2015
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on McConnell Amdt. No. 2656)," accessed September 17, 2015
• ↑ Congress.gov , "H.R.2048," accessed May 26, 2015
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On Passage of the Bill (H.R. 2048)," accessed June 2, 2015
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On the Nomination (Confirmation Loretta E. Lynch, of New York, to be Attorney General)," accessed April 29, 2015
• ↑ Congress.gov , "S 754," accessed November 1, 2015
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On Passage of the Bill (S. 754, As Amended)," accessed November 1, 2015
• ↑ Congress.gov , "S 2146," accessed November 2, 2015
• ↑ Senate.gov , "On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed (Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to S. 2146)," accessed November 2, 2015
• ↑ Congressional Record , "Resume of Congressional Activity, First Session of the 112th Congress," accessed September 5, 2013
• ↑ Congressional Record , "Resume of Congressional Activity, Second Session of the 113th Congress," accessed March 4, 2014
• ↑ 116.0 116.1 116.2 Politico, "Senate panel approves Syria measure," accessed September 5, 2013
• ↑ USA Today, "Senate committee approves Syria attack resolution," accessed September 5, 2013
• ↑ Politico, "How Senate Foreign Relations Committee members voted on Syria," accessed September 5, 2013
• ↑ 119.0 119.1 119.2 119.3 Project Vote Smart , "Richard Rubio Key Votes," accessed October 16, 2013
• ↑ Senate.gov , "H.R. 2642 (Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013)," accessed February 12, 2014
• ↑ New York Times , "Senate Passes Long-Stalled Farm Bill, With Clear Winners and Losers," accessed February 12, 2014
• ↑ 122.0 122.1 Politico, "Senate approves $1.1 trillion spending bill," accessed January 20, 2014
• ↑ 123.0 123.1 123.2 U.S. Senate, "January 16 Vote," accessed January 20, 2014
• ↑ Roll Call, "House Passes $1.1 Trillion Omnibus," accessed January 20, 2014
• ↑ The Washington Post , "Reid, McConnell propose bipartisan Senate bill to end shutdown, extend borrowing," accessed October 16, 2013
• ↑ Senate.gov, "H.R. 2775 As Amended," accessed October 31, 2013
• ↑ U.S. Senate , "Roll Call Vote on the Fiscal Cliff," accessed January 4, 2013
• ↑ The Wall Street Journal , "Text of GOP Senators’ Letter to Iran’s Leaders on Nuclear Talks," March 9, 2015
• ↑ Politico , "Iran letter blowback startles GOP," March 12, 2015
• ↑ Fox News , "Firestorm erupts over GOP letter challenging Obama's power to approve Iran nuclear deal," March 10, 2015
• ↑ CNN , "Rand Paul says he's heard from White House after filibuster," March 7, 2013
• ↑ USA Today , "Rand Paul filibuster ranks among Senate's longest," March 7, 2013
• ↑ ABC News , "Rand Paul Wins Applause From GOP and Liberals," March 7, 2013
• ↑ The Blaze , "Here Are All the GOP Senators That Participated in Rand Paul’s 12+ Hour Filibuster… and the Ones Who Didn’t," March 7, 2013
• ↑ Los Angeles Times , "Sen. Rand Paul ends marathon filibuster of John Brennan," March 7, 2013
• ↑ Breitbart , "AWOL: Meet The GOP Senators Who Refused to Stand With Rand," March 7, 2013
• ↑ Politico , "Rand Paul filibuster blasted by Sens. John McCain, Lindsey Graham," March 7, 2013
• ↑ Politico , "Rand Paul pulls plug on nearly 13-hour filibuster," March 7, 2017
• ↑ Washington Post , "Eric Holder responds to Rand Paul with ‘no’," March 7, 2013
• ↑ The Hill , "Rubio: We’ll ‘never have the votes’ for immigration reform until border secured," accessed August 12, 2014
• ↑ Politico , "Marco Rubio chief heads to PAC," accessed April 12, 2014
• ↑ 142.0 142.1 The Hill , "Rubio slams Obama handshake with Castro," accessed December 11, 2013
• ↑ Office of Marco Rubio, "Letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius," accessed September 4, 2013
• ↑ 144.0 144.1 Washington Post , "Rubio questions administration’s $8.7 million ‘Obamacare’ ad buy," accessed September 4, 2013
• ↑ Sunshine State News , "Marco Rubio, Rand Paul and Ron Paul Join Forces to Defeat Obamacare," accessed August 26, 2013
• ↑ 146.0 146.1 The Hill , "Rubio's new plank for possible '16 platform," accessed February 11, 2014
• ↑ Politico , "Marco Rubio to vote against Janet Yellen," accessed November 21, 2013
• ↑ The New York Times , "Marco Rubio and John McCain Win Primaries in Florida and Arizona," accessed September 2, 2016
• ↑ Politico , "How Rubio outdid Trump in Florida and revived his career," accessed November 15, 2016
• ↑ Politico , "Rubio: GOP has tough fight ahead to maintain Senate control," accessed August 22, 2016
• ↑ CNN , "Ahead of Florida primary, Rubio offers Trump a tepid embrace," accessed September 2, 2016
• ↑ CBS Miami , "The Making of Patrick Murphy," June 22, 2016
• ↑ Patrick Murphy for Senate , "Press Releases / Setting the Record Straight On Yesterday’s Misleading CBS Miami Report," June 23, 2016
• ↑ PolitiFact , "Mostly True: Marco Rubio has worst voting record of any Florida senator in nearly 50 years," accessed September 3, 2016
• ↑ Breitbart , "Rubio Wins Reelection Bid — Gives Victory Speech in English and Spanish," accessed November 15, 2016
• ↑ CNN , "He's in: Marco Rubio's presidential challenge," April 13, 2015
• ↑ The New York Times , "Marco Rubio Suspends His Presidential Campaign," March 15, 2016
• ↑ Talking Points Memo , "Marco Rubio Suspends Campaign After Losing Florida Primary," March 15, 2016
• ↑ ABC News , "Sen. Marco Rubio: Yes, I’m Ready to be President," May 11, 2014
• ↑ United States Senate , "Senators Who Became President," accessed October 16, 2013
• ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk , "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
• ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
• ↑ NBC News , "Trump eyes Sen. Marco Rubio as a potential VP pick," March 20, 2024
• ↑ OpenSecrets , "Marco Rubio (R-FL), 2012," accessed March 20, 2014
• ↑ This figure represents the total percentage growth from either 2004 (if the member entered office in 2004 or earlier) or the member's first year in office (as noted in the chart below).
• ↑ This number was found by dividing each member's total net worth growth percentage by the number of years included in the calculation.
• ↑ This figure was calculated using median asset data from the Census Bureau. Please see the Congressional Net Worth data for Ballotpedia spreadsheet for more information on this calculation.
• ↑ OpenSecrets.org , "Sen. Marco Rubio," accessed September 18, 2014
• ↑ GovTrack , "Marco Rubio," accessed July 22, 2014
• ↑ OpenCongress , "Marco Rubio," archived February 25, 2016
• ↑ GovTrack , "Marco Rubio," accessed September 23, 2015
• ↑ LegiStorm , "Marco Rubio" accessed 2011
• ↑ National Journal , "2013 Senate Vote Ratings," accessed July 21, 2014
• ↑ National Journal , "2012 Congressional Vote Ratings," accessed February 28, 2013
• ↑ National Journal , "Searchable Vote Ratings Tables: Senate," accessed February 23, 2012
• ↑ OpenCongress , "Voting With Party," accessed July 2014
• ↑ Marco Rubio-U.S. Senator for Florida , "Biography--About Marco," accessed October 13, 2011
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In Russian Far East city, discontent smolders amid election

Election posters and billboards are displayed Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in the Russian city of Khabarovsk, in the country’s Far East. The parliamentary and local elections will be closely watched to gauge how much anger against the Kremlin remains in the region, where its popular governor was arrested last year, causing mass protests. (AP Photo/Igor Volkov)

FILE - In this July 10, 2020, file photo, Sergei Furgal, governor of the Khabarovsk region in Russia’s Far East region, is escorted from a courtroom in Moscow, Russia. Furgal was arrested on charges of being involved in killings. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

FILE - In this July 18, 2020, file photo, thousands of demonstrators turn out for an unsanctioned protest in the city of Khabarovsk, Russia, in the country’s Far East in support of Sergei Furgal, the governor of the region. The posters read, “Freedom for Sergei Furgal, I am, we are Sergei Furgal,” “Give us Furgal back, “Call Furgal home.” The demonstrators demanded his release after his arrest on charges of being involved in killings. (AP Photo/Igor Volkov, File)

FILE - In this July 30, 2020, file photo, acting governor Mikhail Degtyaryov, a former federal lawmaker from the Liberal Democratic Party, leads a meeting of local officials in the Russian city of Khabarovsk, in the country’s Far East. Degtyaryov is on the ballot for governor in the three days of regional voting that concludes Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Igor Volkov, File)

An election poster with a portrait of Mikhail Degtyaryov, a member of the nationalist Liberal Democratic Party and saying “Actions are more important than words,” is displayed in the Russian city of Khabarovsk in the country’s Far East, Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021. Degtyaryov is on the ballot for governor in the three days of regional voting that concludes Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Igor Volkov)

Anton Furgal speaks in Khabarovsk, Russia, during an interview via video conference with The Associated Press on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021. Furgal is the son of the region’s former governor, Sergei Furgal, who was arrested last year on charges of being involved in killings, Anton Furgal says he was kept off the ballot for the national parliament in voting that concludes Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021. “There is an opinion that if my last name had been Ivanov, for example, I would likely be allowed to run,” he said. (AP Photo/Anna Frants)

Pyotr Perevezentsev, a candidate from the Communist Party, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Khabarovsk, Russia, Monday, Sept. 13, 2021. Perevezentsev said municipal officials in some districts in the city had been told by their superiors whose nominating petitions to sign. “People representing the presidential administration curated these elections,” he said. (AP Photo/Sergei Demidov)

A police officer looks at a group of demonstrators in Khabarovsk, Russia, who had gathered in support of Sergei Furgal, the former governor of the region in the country’s Far East, on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. A few demonstrators gather in a persistent reminder of the larger protests last year demanding the release of the region’s former governor, Sergei Furgal. (AP Photo/Sergei Demidov)

Buildings stand near the Amur River in Khabarovsk, Russia, a city in the country’s Far East, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021. The results of parliamentary and local elections that wrap up on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, will be closely watched to gauge how much anger against the Kremlin remains in the region, where its popular governor was arrested last year, causing mass protests. (AP Photo/Daniel Kozin)

A small group of demonstrators hold posters reading “Degtyaryov, go to the bathhouse!!!” and “I’m, we are Sergei Furgal” in Khabarovsk, Russia, in the country’s Far East, on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. A few demonstrators each evening gather in a persistent reminder of the mass protests last year demanding the release of Furgal, the region’s former governor, who was replaced by the Kremlin with Mikhail Degtyaryov. (AP Photo/Sergei Demidov)

Buildings line the Amur River in Khabarovsk, Russia, in the country’s Far East. Parliamentary and local elections that conclude on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2011, will be closely watched to gauge how much anger against the Kremlin remains in the region, where its popular governor was arrested and replaced last year, causing mass protests. (AP Photo/Daniel Kozin)

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KHABAROVSK, Russia (AP) — The handful of demonstrators gathering each evening in Khabarovsk are a shadow of the masses who took part in an unusually sustained wave of protests last year in the Russian Far Eastern city, but they are a chronic reminder of the political tensions that persist.

The demonstrators have been demanding the release of the region’s popular former governor, Sergei Furgal, who was arrested last year on charges of being involved in killings.

Now, his Kremlin-appointed replacement, Mikhail Degtyaryov, is on the ballot for governor in the three days of regional voting that concludes Sunday. The regional election is taking place at the same time that Russians are voting for members of the State Duma, the national parliament.

The race for governor is being closely watched to gauge how much anger remains in the region, located seven time zones and 6,100 kilometers (3,800 miles) east of Moscow.

“The region really worries the Kremlin because they don’t want a repeat of those incidents (last years’ protests) of course. Khabarovsk is now under close supervision,” said Andrei Kolesnikov of the Carnegie Moscow Center think tank.

Three other people are on the ballot for governor, but supporters of Furgal and others in the city of about 600,000 complain they are insignificant candidates who were allowed to run to give the appearance of a democratic and competitive race.

“Whoever posed even the smallest threat was barred from running, and they left only spoiler candidates,” said 64-year-old protester Zigmund Khudyakov.

Notably, United Russia — the country’s dominant political party and loyal backer of President Vladimir Putin — is not fielding a candidate for governor in Khabarovsk. Nor is Russia’s second-largest party, the Communists.

Degtyaryov, a member of the nationalist Liberal Democratic Party, is widely believed to be backed by the Kremlin with both advice and money.

The man who wanted to run on the Communist ticket was kept off the ballot because he was unable to get enough signatures from officials. That aspiring candidate, Pyotr Perevezentsev, told The Associated Press that municipal authorities in some districts had been told by their superiors whose nominating petitions to sign.

“People representing the presidential administration curated these elections,” he said.

Separately, Furgal’s son Anton says he was kept off the ballot for the national parliament. “There is an opinion that if my last name had been Ivanov, for example, I would likely be allowed to run,” he said.

Degtyaryov rejects such claims.

“As head of the Khabarovsk regional government, I am obligated to ensure transparent, legal, free and fair elections, and we are following all of these provisions,” he said on a recent televised question-and-answer session with residents.

The weeks of protests that arose after Sergei Furgal’s arrest in July 2020 appeared to catch authorities by surprise. Unlike in Moscow, where police usually move quickly to disperse unsanctioned rallies, authorities didn’t interfere with the unauthorized demonstrations in Khabarovsk, apparently expecting them to fizzle out.

A Liberal Democratic Party member, Furgal won the 2018 regional gubernatorial election even though he had refrained from campaigning and publicly supported his Kremlin-backed rival.

His victory was a humiliating setback for United Russia, which also lost its control over the regional legislature.

While in office, Furgal earned a reputation as a “people’s governor,” cutting his own salary, ordering the sale of an expensive yacht bought by the previous administration, and offering new benefits to residents.

His arrest, which was shown on Russian TV stations, came after the Investigative Committee, the nation’s top criminal investigation agency, said he was accused of involvement in the murders of several businessmen in the region and nearby territories in 2004 and 2005. During interrogation in Moscow, Furgal denied the charges, according to the Tass news agency.

Ultranationalist lawmaker Vladimir Zhirinovsky, a veteran politician with a reputation for outspoken comments and also a member of the Liberal Democrats, once called Furgal “the best governor the region ever had.”

Furgal’s arrest brought hundreds, and then thousands, of people into the streets of Khabarovsk in a regular Saturday protest. A year later, the rallies — albeit much smaller — continue.

Local activists say that’s because of sustained pressure from authorities interested in ensuring Degtyaryov wins the election.

Under new rules enforced by police who monitor and film the protests, the rallies are restricted to 10 people at most. Officers disperse anything larger.

The protesters say they are pressured at work and at university, with some adding that they lost their jobs after being seen at the demonstrations.

Many wear T-shirts with the face of imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny, while others carry signs depicting Furgal or denouncing the new governor.

“We constantly live in fear because any day we can be arrested,” said Denis Pedyash, a 47-year-old education worker who says he now comes to protests with a packed bag of essentials in case he is detained.

“It’s difficult. But people have hope and faith and are actively fighting the lawlessness of the authorities and the lawlessness of the elections, which are a laughingstock for the world to see,” Pedyash said.

Anna Frants and Olga Tregubova in Moscow contributed reporting.

This story has been corrected to show that the last name of the protester in the final two paragraphs is Pedyash, not Pedish.

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Khabarovsk: The city on the 5,000 ruble banknote

A night view of Khabarovsk, the capital of Russia's Far East. Source: Lori/Legion-Media

Located at the confluence of the Amur and Ussuri rivers, Khabarovsk (6140 kilometers from Moscow) is the second largest city in the Russian Far East after Vladivostok. Having grown from a small military post in the middle of the 19 th  century, the city got its name from the famous Russian explorer Yerofei Khabarov, who surveyed the Amur River. Currently Khabarovsk is the administrative center of the Far Eastern Federal District.

Where to go on a first date with the city

Source: Lori/Legion-Media

The city was founded by Count Nikolai Muravyov-Amursky and the main street is named in his honor. Modern buildings and shopping centers coexist with old stone houses of gray and red. A monument to this famous Russian statesman can be found in the city’s Central Park. This statue can also be seen on the 5,000-ruble banknote.

The best way to explore Khabarovsk is on foot, beginning at Lenin Square and working your way towards the banks of the Amur River. The two main boulevards, Amursky and Ussuriisky, run parallel to each other. The architecture on Lenin and Serysheva streets, with its mostly Stalin-era structures, differs from the beautiful pre-revolutionary buildings on ul. Muravieva-Amurskogo. The Amursky and Ussuriisky boulevards did not exist until the mid-1960s.

Source: Shutterstock/Legion-Media

Khabarovsk is not a typical Russian city along the Trans-Siberian Railway. The unusual fusion of Russian and Chinese cultures is felt in the food, culture and even lifestyle of its residents. Japanese touches complement this picture in the form of blossoming cherry trees and cars with steering wheels on the right hand side. That Khabarovsk has such a strong Asian influence should not seem surprising, as the city is located only 17 kilometers from the state border with China. The nearest Chinese settlement, Fuyuan, is 65 kilometers down the river from Khabarovsk.

Khabarovsk’s gem is its picturesque river embankment and the Amursky rail and road bridge, which is also depicted on the 5,000-ruble banknote. Just like the Eiffel Tower, this bridge won the gold medal of the World Exhibition in Paris in the early 20 th  century.

Khabarovsk's museums

Khabarovsk became famous during the Soviet period for a popular song about border guards that stand on the "high banks of the Amur" and protect the motherland. It is not hard to find old cannons on display in the city that were fired during the Russo-Japanese War.

At the present time Khabarovsk is the headquarters of Russia’s Far Eastern Military District.

The Military Historical Museum of the Far Eastern Military District depicts in great detail everything you ever wanted to know about the formation and development of the army in the Far East. Models of weapons from different years are exhibited over the museum’s 13 halls and heavy military equipment is placed in the courtyard of an observation deck. The museum itself is located in a historic building right on the bank of the Amur River.

The Far Eastern Art Museum, also known as the "Far East Tretyakov Gallery" features original works of ancient Russian art, as well as local artists from the Amur Region. Among the artists on display are Ivan Aivazovsky, Ivan Shishkin, Ilya Repin, Vasily Surikov, Isaak Levitan, Alexander Benois, Apollinaris Vasnetsov and Mikhail Vrubel. Many of these works of art came to the Far East from museums in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

The Khabarovsk Regional Museum holds collections of flora and fauna, ethnography exhibits of indigenous peoples and Slavic settlers, and displays by paleontologists and geologists that tell the city’s story from its foundation. The only archaeological museum in the Far East is the Okladnikov Museum, which features 120,000 ancient artifacts pertaining to the Amur Region.

For those traveling with children, Khabarovsk has special kid-friendly attractions including an aquarium featuring fresh water fish of the Amur River basin, as well as the Gaidar Amusement Park and the Khabarovsk State Circus.

Source: TASS/Alexander Savchenko

A living museum of Far Eastern flora can be found at the Khabarovsk Arboretum, established as an experimental laboratory in 1896. It has collected about 300 plant species that grow in the Ussuri taiga as well as those from the Himalayas, Central Asia and North America.

Khabarovsk is known for its parks such as Dynamo or Yuri Gagarin Park. The Central Park of Culture and Relaxation is perfect for taking leisurely strolls and leads to the river station located within the park, where you can take a boat ride on the Amur River. Especially memorable is taking a walk along the river at night, when Khabarovsk is illuminated by hundreds of colored lights. In the park there is also an observation deck that offers a spectacular view of the Amur.

The cultural center of the Far East

Source: RIA Novosti/Ruslan Krivobok

The oldest Orthodox Church in Khabarovsk is a Church of St. Innocentius  of Irkutsk, erected in 1870 in honor of the patron saint of Siberia and the Far East. The impressive Holy Transfiguration Cathedral (its height with golden domes is 95 meters), built from the donations of inhabitants of the region, is the third largest temple in Russia after Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral and St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg.

Several major theaters operate in Khabarovsk, which is often called the cultural center of the Far East. These include the Khabarovsk Regional Musical Theater performing classic operetta and musical comedy, and the Regional Drama Theatre featuring international and domestic classics. There is also the Triad professional mime theater, which offers unusual performances in interesting interiors. 

Why you should climb the Khabarovsk cliff

Khabarovsk is hot and humid in the summer with temperatures reaching 30 C and cold and dry in the winter with the average temperature being -24 C. However, the temperatures often drop below -30, making Khabarovsk the coldest city with a population of 500,000 or more in the world. There are massive ice sculptures on Lenin Square from January until the spring thaw in April as part of the annual Amur Crystal and Ice Fantasy festivals. City Day, celebrated on the last Saturday of May, is a good reason to visit Khabarovsk at the beginning of summer.

No matter the season, if it is clear, then climb the Khabarovsk cliff (ul. Shevchenko 15), a true symbol of the city. A famous building was constructed here on a rocky promontory 70 years ago by an architect named Starikov. At first it was a station for military observation, later becoming a rescue station. After the building was transferred to Khabarovsk Central Park of Culture and Recreation, a viewing platform was added that now offers the best panoramic views of the Amur River. Take a selfie here with a view of the Amur River at the monument to Count Muravyov-Amursky.

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