Florida's political landscape undergoes a significant shift as Governor Ron DeSantis prepares to make a crucial Senate appointment.
According to NBC News, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has been selected by Governor Ron DeSantis to fill Marco Rubio's Senate seat after President-elect Donald Trump chose Rubio as secretary of state.
The appointment of Moody, 49, marks a historic moment for Republican representation in the Senate, as her selection will set a new record with 10 GOP women senators.
Moody's strong electoral track record includes winning two statewide elections, securing her position as attorney general in 2018, and successfully achieving re-election in 2022.
The governor's decision came after careful consideration of several potential candidates, including Representatives Kat Cammack and Cory Mills and State Senator Jay Collins, a former Green Beret who garnered substantial conservative support. DeSantis expressed concerns about appointing House members due to the Republicans' narrow majority in that chamber.
The appointment has significant implications for Florida's political future. Moody will need to compete in a 2026 special election to retain the seat for the remaining two years of Rubio's term.
Representative Mills has already announced his intention to run, and Cammack is contemplating entering the race, setting the stage for potential Republican primary challenges.
Mills shared his perspective on the appointment. He stated:
We're keeping our eye on the seat. We'll see how she votes and how she supports the president. I respect the governor's decision always. I think he's a great governor. He's the best governor we have in America. But that's not to say that 2026 doesn't shape up to potentially see a primary.
As Florida's attorney general, Moody has established herself as a staunch ally of DeSantis, leading numerous high-profile legal challenges against the Biden administration. Her office recently filed a lawsuit against the Justice Department regarding Florida's investigation into the second attempt to assassinate Trump at his West Palm Beach golf club.
Moody's legal portfolio includes challenging federal rules on gender transition care and investigating attempts on Trump's life. Her aggressive stance on immigration reform aligns with DeSantis's priorities, particularly regarding the H-1B visa program, which has become a contentious issue among Trump supporters.
The appointment is expected to trigger changes within DeSantis's administration, with speculation that his chief of staff, James Uthmeier, may be appointed to fill Moody's position as attorney general. This transition would require DeSantis to select a new top staffer, as Uthmeier, who managed DeSantis's unsuccessful 2024 presidential campaign, is considered one of his closest advisors.
The selection of Ashley Moody for the U.S. Senate seat represents a strategic move by Governor Ron DeSantis to maintain Republican influence while addressing multiple political considerations.
Moody will fill Marco Rubio's position following his appointment as secretary of state under President-elect Trump. Her appointment not only sets a record for Republican women in the Senate but also positions her for a challenging 2026 special election where she may face competition from within her own party.
