Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has been selected by Governor Ron DeSantis to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Marco Rubio. This appointment makes Moody only the second woman to represent Florida in the Senate.
Moody, who was elected as the state's Attorney General in 2018, has a background as a federal prosecutor and circuit judge in Hillsborough County. She has been a vocal advocate for law and order, as well as a supporter of President Donald Trump's policies.
During the announcement of her appointment, Moody expressed her commitment to fighting for the America First agenda and emphasized the importance of a strong Congress in governing the nation.
As Attorney General, Moody has played a key role in defending Governor DeSantis' conservative agenda in court and has joined other Republican-led states in legal challenges against the Biden administration's policies.
Moody's appointment comes at a crucial time as she is expected to participate in the confirmation hearings for President Trump's Cabinet nominees. With Republicans holding a narrow majority in the Senate, Moody's support could be instrumental in securing confirmations.
Her appointment to the Senate creates a vacancy in Florida's Cabinet, allowing Governor DeSantis to appoint his chief of staff, James Uthmeier, to the position. Additionally, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis will be stepping down to run for a congressional seat, giving DeSantis another opportunity to expand his influence in the state.
Moody's tenure in the Senate will last until the next general election in 2026, at which point the seat will be up for re-election. Her appointment marks a significant milestone for Florida, with only one other woman, Republican Paula Hawkins, having represented the state in the Senate nearly 40 years ago.
Overall, Moody's appointment to the U.S. Senate signals a new chapter in her political career and underscores her dedication to serving the people of Florida and upholding conservative values.
