Florida Governor Ron DeSantis revealed in an Orlando press conference on Thursday that Ashley Moody, the state's Attorney General, has been selected to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Senator Marco Rubio. Rubio's appointment as Secretary of State by President-elect Donald Trump necessitated the selection of a new representative for Florida in the Senate.
At 49, Moody is set to become the second woman to represent Florida in the U.S. Senate, following in the footsteps of Paula Hawkins, who served from 1981 to 1987. Local news outlet Local 10 highlighted this historic moment. Moody will serve in the Senate until the general elections in 2026, when the seat will be contested once more.
DeSantis had the responsibility of choosing Rubio's successor from a pool of candidates, which notably included Lara Trump, Donald Trump's daughter-in-law. During the announcement, DeSantis praised Moody for her conservative stance on issues such as illegal immigration and government size.
Moody gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic by urging the federal government to hold China accountable for the outbreak. She has been instrumental in supporting DeSantis's conservative agenda, engaging in legal battles over Biden administration policies, including immigration reform, student loan forgiveness, and vaccine mandates for federal contractors.
Having been elected as Florida's Attorney General in 2019, Moody previously served as a federal prosecutor and was elected as a circuit judge in Hillsborough County in 2006. She was also among the attorneys general who backed Trump's lawsuit challenging the 2020 presidential election results.
Moody's appointment to the Senate opens a significant vacancy in Florida's cabinet, providing DeSantis with an opportunity to further extend his influence within the state. Additionally, the governor will need to appoint a new Chief Financial Officer to replace Jimmy Patronis, who is leaving his role to pursue a congressional seat.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ashley Moody's Senate Appointment
Who is Ashley Moody?
Ashley Moody is the Attorney General of Florida and has been selected by Governor Ron DeSantis to fill Marco Rubio's Senate seat. She has a background as a federal prosecutor and was a circuit judge in Hillsborough County.
What led to the vacancy in Florida's Senate seat?
The Senate seat became vacant after Marco Rubio was appointed as Secretary of State by President-elect Donald Trump, leaving his position in the Senate open.
How long will Ashley Moody serve in the Senate?
Ashley Moody will serve in the Senate until the next general elections in 2026, when the seat will be up for election.