In a significant political development, Governor Ron DeSantis has announced his selection of Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to replace Senator Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate. Rubio, a prominent figure in Florida politics, is expected to resign from his Senate seat following his confirmation as Secretary of State under President-elect Donald Trump. This transition marks a pivotal moment for Florida, with Moody stepping onto the national stage.
Ashley Moody: From Plant City to Washington, D.C.
Ashley Brooke Moody, born in 1975 in Plant City, Florida, has cultivated an impressive legal and political career. She graduated from Plant City High School in 1993 and went on to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from the University of Florida. While there, she demonstrated her leadership skills as president of Florida Blue Key. Moody furthered her education by earning a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida School of Law and a Master of Laws in international law from Stetson University College of Law.
Her professional career began with an internship for Martha Barnett, a former president of the American Bar Association. She then joined the law firm Holland & Knight, where she specialized in civil litigation. Later, Moody served as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Florida before being elected as a circuit court judge in Hillsborough County in 2006. Her judicial career set the stage for her election as Florida Attorney General in 2018, where she quickly became a key ally of Governor DeSantis.
DeSantis Praises Moody’s Record of Results
Governor DeSantis explained his decision to appoint Moody during an announcement in Orlando. “This is something that I thought about long and hard. We did a lot of research. We got a number of great candidates throughout the state of Florida, and many of them, I think, could have done a good job. But the final criteria I used was because you can say all those things and say you stand for it—I wanted somebody with a demonstrated record of delivering results on those important issues. Talk is cheap,” he said.
DeSantis emphasized Moody’s alignment with his administration’s priorities and her ability to deliver on key issues. “We need people that have demonstrated fidelity to these principles with their actions. So that is why today I’m proud to announce that I am selecting our Attorney General, Ashley Moody, to serve as our next U.S. Senator,” he declared.
A Tenure Marked by Controversy and Commitment
As Florida’s Attorney General, Moody’s record has been both impactful and polarizing. She has led efforts to invalidate the Affordable Care Act, opposed the legalization of recreational marijuana, and supported restrictive measures on voting rights restoration for former felons. Moody also played a significant role in supporting Trump’s legal challenges to the 2020 presidential election. Her strong stance on these issues has solidified her reputation as a staunch conservative but has also drawn sharp criticism from progressives.
“If you have worked with me and fought with me over the last six years, you know I don’t think of this as a job. I think of it as a calling,” Moody said during the announcement. She pledged to bring the same “persistence and passion” to her role in the Senate.
Supporters Rally Behind Moody’s Appointment
Moody’s appointment has drawn widespread support from Florida Republicans and conservative leaders. Senator Rick Scott expressed confidence in her abilities, stating, “I welcome @AGAshleyMoody to the United States Senate! Ashley has done an incredible job fighting for Floridians and keeping our communities safe as Attorney General. I have no doubt she will do an incredible job as senator!”
Tim Scott, Chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, praised Moody as a “proven conservative fighter for President Trump’s agenda.” These endorsements underscore the Republican Party’s confidence in Moody’s ability to represent Florida’s interests on the national stage.
Critics Voice Concerns About Partisanship
Despite the accolades, Moody’s appointment has not been without detractors. Critics have pointed to her legal battles against federal initiatives as evidence of partisanship that could alienate non-Republican constituents. Progressive organizations have criticized her opposition to healthcare reforms and her role in disqualifying marijuana ballot initiatives, calling her actions “a direct affront to the will of Florida voters.”
Her controversial support for Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election has also drawn scrutiny. In 2020, Moody joined a lawsuit led by the Texas Attorney General seeking to invalidate election results in key swing states. Although the Supreme Court declined to hear the case, Moody’s involvement solidified her reputation as one of Trump’s most loyal allies.
A New Chapter for Florida’s Political Landscape
Ashley Moody’s appointment marks a new chapter in Florida politics as she prepares to step into one of the most influential roles in government. With her conservative credentials and a strong backing from the Republican Party, she is well-positioned to advocate for Florida’s priorities in the Senate. However, her controversial record as Attorney General suggests that she may face significant challenges in uniting a politically divided electorate.
As she prepares to assume office, Moody remains focused on the task ahead. “I will bring the same persistence, passion, and tenacity that I have brought as Florida’s Attorney General to the United States Senate,” she assured Floridians during the announcement.
Whether Moody will seek to retain the seat in the 2026 election remains uncertain, but potential challengers have already begun positioning themselves for the race. For now, all eyes are on Ashley Moody as she transitions from Tallahassee to Washington, ready to take on the challenges of a national platform.
