Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Attorney General Ashley Moody to the U.S. Senate, filling the vacancy left by Senator Marco Rubio’s nomination as Secretary of State in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.
Ashley Moody’s Background
Ashley Moody, 49, has served as Florida’s Attorney General since 2019. Prior to this role, she was a federal prosecutor and the youngest judge in Florida when elected to the Circuit Court in Hillsborough County in 2006. Throughout her tenure, Moody has been a staunch supporter of conservative principles, aligning closely with Governor DeSantis and President-elect Trump’s agendas.
Governor DeSantis’s Criteria for Appointment
In selecting Moody, Governor DeSantis emphasized the need for a senator who would:
- Collaborate effectively with President-elect Trump to implement his mandate.
- Advocate for reduced federal spending to combat inflation.
- Hold the federal bureaucracy accountable.
- Address illegal immigration and prioritize American citizens in legal immigration policies.
DeSantis highlighted Moody’s proven track record in delivering results on these critical issues, stating, “Talk is cheap. We need people that have demonstrated fidelity to these principles with their actions.”
Moody’s Commitment
Upon her appointment, Moody expressed her dedication to serving Florida and the nation, vowing to bring the same “persistence and passion and tenacity” to the U.S. Senate as she did in her role as Attorney General. She assured Governor DeSantis and Floridians, “I will not let you down, I will not let the citizens of Florida down, and I will not let my country down.”
Implications and Next Steps
Moody will serve in the Senate until a special election is held in 2026, at which point she may choose to run for a full term. Her appointment maintains the Republican majority in the Senate, which stands at 53-47, potentially easing the confirmation process for President-elect Trump’s nominees.
This decision also opens the position of Florida Attorney General, providing Governor DeSantis the opportunity to appoint a successor who aligns with his administration’s priorities.
As Moody transitions to her new role, her extensive legal background and commitment to conservative values are expected to influence her contributions in the Senate, particularly in areas such as federal spending, immigration reform, and upholding the rule of law.