TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis announced Thursday that Attorney General Ashley Moody will succeed Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate, making her just the second woman to represent Florida in this legislative body.
Moody, who was elected as the state’s chief law enforcement officer in 2018, positioned herself as a prosecutor rather than a conventional politician during her campaign. Her profile rose significantly alongside DeSantis amid the COVID-19 pandemic as she urged the federal government to hold China accountable for the virus outbreak.
In announcing her appointment, DeSantis remarked on Moody’s pivotal role in supporting his political endeavors, characterizing her as a law-and-order attorney ready to help President-elect Donald Trump “secure and shut the border,” address inflation, and reform what he described as an out-of-control federal bureaucracy.
“I’m prepared to fight for this nation and for President Trump to advance the America First agenda,” Moody stated during the announcement event in Orlando. She reinforced her commitment by saying, “The only way to restore governance to the American people is by having a robust Congress that actively makes laws and supervises the regulations imposed by unelected officials.”
Before her statewide electoral run, Moody had a career as a federal prosecutor. Additionally, she was elected as a circuit judge in Hillsborough County in 2006. A lifelong resident of Plant City, Florida, Moody gained recognition in her community as a former queen of the strawberry festival. She is an alumna of the University of Florida and is married to a law enforcement officer; together they have two sons.
As the attorney general, Moody played a vital role in upholding DeSantis’ conservative policies in court, collaborating with other Republican-led states to challenge various actions from the Biden administration. These included lawsuits regarding immigration enforcement changes, student loan forgiveness, and vaccine requirements for federal contractors.
DeSantis expressed appreciation for Moody’s consistent support, noting that they have made Florida a “beachhead of liberty.” He shared that she has been steadfast in advocating for shared values throughout their endeavors.
Moody’s appointment is notable not only for her gender but also as she follows in the footsteps of her predecessor, Pam Bondi, who is slated to lead the Justice Department under Trump and is scheduled to testify in the Senate. Moody will be the first woman to serve in the Senate from Florida in close to four decades, with Paula Hawkins being the last from 1981 to 1987.
Moody is prepared to assume office as soon as the vacancy arises. Rubio is anticipated to garner considerable backing from both Republican and Democratic senators, with his confirmation vote potentially occurring as early as Monday. Under Florida law, the governor is tasked with appointing a replacement for Rubio following Trump’s decision to appoint him as Secretary of State. Moody’s tenure in the Senate will extend until the next general election in 2026, at which point the seat will again be contested.
Throughout her tenure as attorney general, Moody has defended Trump, notably by pursuing legal action against an individual accused of attempting to assassinate him at his West Palm Beach golf club last September. She was also one of the state attorneys general who signed a lawsuit supporting Trump’s efforts to dispute Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory.
In addition, she attempted, albeit unsuccessfully, to challenge an abortion rights initiative on Florida’s 2024 ballot, suggesting the measure was part of a “war” to safeguard abortion access. The initiative ultimately failed to secure the necessary 60% approval from voters.
Moody may also have a significant role in the confirmation hearings for Trump’s Cabinet nominees, many of whom may face a challenging path to approval. Currently, Republicans hold a narrow majority in the Senate at 53-47, but their ranks have diminished to 52 after Vice President-elect JD Vance stepped down from his position last week in preparation for his new role. This scenario means Trump’s nominees will require near-universal support from GOP senators to achieve a majority over potential Democratic opposition.
Republican state Senator Joe Gruters, a prominent ally of Trump in Florida, had previously advocated for the nomination of Lara Trump, leading the nominations until Lara Trump withdrew her name from consideration in December. However, Gruters praised Moody’s popularity and her track record, stating that citizens value her efforts to maintain safety in Florida.
Moody’s new role creates a significant vacancy in Florida’s Cabinet, offering DeSantis an opportunity to further consolidate his influence in state governance. During a press conference, DeSantis indicated his intention to appoint his chief of staff, James Uthmeier, to fill the attorney general’s position. He will also need to choose a successor for outgoing Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, who is leaving to pursue an open congressional seat.
