Marco Rubio rose to national prominence as a Tea Party favorite who defeated the Republican establishment in Florida's 2010 Senate race, positioning himself as a fresh conservative voice on fiscal responsibility and limited government. The son of Cuban immigrants, he has become one of the GOP's most influential voices on foreign policy, particularly regarding Latin America and China, while advocating for a muscular American presence abroad. Rubio sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, emerging as a leading figure in the party's efforts to appeal to younger and more diverse voters. Known for his eloquent speaking style and policy expertise, he has championed conservative positions on immigration reform, tax policy, and social issues while occasionally breaking with party orthodoxy on issues like paid family leave.