WASHINGTON: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has named State Attorney General Ashley Moody to fill Marco Rubio’s U.S. Senate seat. Rubio plans to step down once he is appointed as President-elect Donald Trump’s Secretary of State. Ashley Moody will serve in the Senate until 2026, after which she can run in a special election for Rubio’s remaining two years.
Moody’s Support for DeSantis’ Agenda
Moody, a former prosecutor, and judge, has been a key ally in supporting DeSantis’ conservative goals. DeSantis emphasized her consistent backing, which has significantly advanced their shared political agenda. “She has been with us every step of the way,” he said.
Moody’s Commitment Despite Concerns
Moody acknowledged her initial reluctance to enter the Senate, known for its political gridlock. However, she stated that if all leaders avoided Congress due to the slow pace, progress would not be made. Despite her hesitancy, Moody pledged to “fight for this nation” and deliver President Trump’s America First agenda.
The Political Context
DeSantis’s decision came after weeks of speculation following Trump’s announcement to appoint Rubio as his secretary of state. DeSantis was under pressure from Trump supporters to select Lara Trump for the position, but ultimately chose Moody. She emerged as a strong candidate, though early speculation suggested she might run for governor after DeSantis’s term ends.
DeSantis’ Wider Goals
DeSantis has bigger plans with this appointment, as he pointed out that Moody would not just serve for two years but could become a major Senate figure for years to come. “This could be someone who could be there a long time,” he said.
Moody’s Legal Background and Popularity
Moody, born into a legal family in Plant City, Florida, is well-established in the state’s legal and Republican circles. She has deep roots in the community, and after studying law at Stetson University, she shifted from Democrat to Republican during her college years. Moody’s rise in politics was swift, having been elected Florida’s youngest judge in 2016 at 31.
A History of Legal Disputes with Trump
Moody has a complex history with Donald Trump. In 2009, she and her family sued Trump over a failed project in Tampa, resulting in a settlement. However, over the years, Moody became one of Trump’s most vocal supporters, notably aligning herself with him during her tenure as Attorney General.
Support for Trump and Election Controversies
Ashley Moody aligned herself closely with Trump, intervening on his behalf in several legal cases, including after the 2020 elections. She also joined other GOP AGs who unsuccessfully petitioned the Supreme Court over alleged election fraud claims in battleground states. In 2023, Moody openly endorsed DeSantis during the Florida GOP primary but later backed Trump again after DeSantis dropped out of the presidential race.
Challenges Ahead for Moody
Despite her ascension to the Senate, Moody could face opposition from within the Republican Party. Representative Cory Mills, another GOP politician, has expressed his desire to run for the seat, no matter who DeSantis chose. Mills believes the Senate needs fresh, dynamic leadership.
DeSantis’s Next Steps
After appointing Moody, DeSantis has named James Uthmeier as her replacement as Attorney General. Uthmeier, a former DeSantis campaign manager and Rubio’s ex-staff member, will step into the position. DeSantis emphasized the importance of having trusted allies in these crucial roles, adding another significant layer to his strategic maneuvering ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial race.
