Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has officially appointed Attorney General Ashley Moody as the new U.S. Senator for Florida, a position that follows the nomination of Marco Rubio to serve as Secretary of State under President-elect Donald Trump. Moody’s appointment marks a significant shift in the state’s representation in Congress, as she is set to become just the second woman to hold a Senate seat from Florida, the first being Paula Hawkins, who served from 1981 to 1987.
Moody, who has been Florida’s Attorney General since 2019, comes from a distinguished legal background, having served as a federal prosecutor and as a circuit judge in Hillsborough County at the young age of 31. Her legal career is complemented by a familial legacy in law enforcement; her father, James Moody, is a U.S. District Judge, and her husband, Justin Duralia, has recently become a deputy police chief in Plant City.
A notable ally of Trump, Moody has taken robust stances surrounding election integrity, including joining a lawsuit that aimed to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. Her commitment to law enforcement is evident through various initiatives she has championed, and she recently sought criminal charges against an individual accused of attempting to assassinate Trump.
In her inaugural remarks as the newly appointed senator, Moody emphasized the influence of her experiences as a mother and her commitment to represent Florida’s interests in the Senate. “I am driven by the fact that I am a mother,” she stated, highlighting her family-oriented perspective as she transitions into her new role.
Moody has taken positions on various contentious issues in the state, including opposing ballot measures related to abortion rights and the legalization of recreational marijuana. While her office attempted to block these measures from the 2024 ballot, they ultimately moved forward, indicating a potential shift in public opinion despite Moody’s legal arguments against them.
Describing Moody as a “kind of Florida royalty,” she has deep roots in the state, having been named the queen of the Florida Strawberry Festival in 1993 and holding multiple degrees from the University of Florida. Her background reflects a strong connection to Florida’s cultural and historical landscape, positioning her to serve Florida with a sense of pride and community involvement.
This newfound leadership role presents an opportunity for Moody to leverage her experience in law and her commitment to her constituents as she shapes policy at the national level. As she takes on her duties, many are hopeful that her perspectives as a mother and her legal expertise will contribute positively to the issues facing not just Florida but the entire nation.
In summary, Ashley Moody’s appointment to the Senate represents a significant moment in Florida’s political landscape, especially for female representation, and her dedication to law and public service is expected to influence her new role in Congress positively.