Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Attorney General Ashley Moody to serve in the U.S. Senate, filling the seat vacated by Marco Rubio, who is set to become Secretary of State in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.
“It is with great pride that today I announce the appointment of our Attorney General, Ashley Moody, to serve as a United States Senator,” DeSantis declared during a press conference in Orlando, as reported by CBS News.
DeSantis praised Moody’s distinguished career as Florida’s top law enforcement officer and emphasized the significance of her appointment amid the nation’s evolving political landscape. “While all appointments are significant, I am convinced that in these times, these decisions are of particular importance,” he stated. The governor underscored the need for strong leadership in Washington, particularly during what he described as President Trump’s “transformational mandate.”
DeSantis characterized Trump’s victory in the 2024 election as “remarkable,” viewing it as a clear call for change. According to CBS News, the governor stressed the critical role of enforcing immigration laws and pledged that Florida would work closely with the Trump administration to bolster border security and address other pressing national issues.
Moody’s Credentials and Accomplishments
The governor outlined his criteria for selecting Rubio’s replacement, emphasizing the need for a leader who could support Trump’s agenda, rein in federal spending, and address the challenges posed by an overreaching federal bureaucracy. According to CBS News, Ashley Moody meets these qualifications exceptionally well.
Moody, who has served as Florida’s Attorney General since 2019, brings a wealth of legal experience to her new role. Her career includes work as a commercial litigator, federal prosecutor, and her historic achievement as the youngest circuit court judge in Florida. Governor DeSantis highlighted her efforts in combating the opioid epidemic, human trafficking, and illegal immigration, portraying her as a defender of the values shared by many Floridians.
Support for Trump’s Policies
Moody’s alignment with Trump’s policies played a pivotal role in her appointment. According to CBS News, she demonstrated her loyalty through legal challenges to what DeSantis called the “weaponization of law enforcement” targeting Trump. Additionally, she oversaw significant investigations, including one involving an alleged assassination attempt against Trump in Palm Beach.
In her acceptance speech, Moody expressed enthusiasm for her new responsibilities. “I am committed to showing up, standing up for our nation, and actively supporting the implementation of President Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda from day one,” she said, as quoted by CBS News. She also vowed to confront bureaucratic overreach and work to reduce government spending.
Filling the Vacancy and Future Elections
Under Florida law, vacant Senate seats are filled by gubernatorial appointment until the next statewide election. Moody will hold the position until a special election in 2026, where the winner will complete the remainder of Rubio’s term.
DeSantis’ decision concludes weeks of speculation about potential candidates. According to CBS News, other contenders included Lara Trump, former Florida House Speaker Jose Olivia, and Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Núñez. Ultimately, DeSantis selected Moody, citing her track record and alignment with Trump’s vision.
Rubio’s Transition to Secretary of State
Marco Rubio, who has represented Florida in the Senate since 2011, was nominated by Trump for Secretary of State in November. As CBS News noted, Rubio’s expertise in international affairs and his firm stance on China make him a strong choice for the role. Following a smooth confirmation hearing earlier this week, Rubio is expected to step down from the Senate when Trump is sworn in within the next few days.