Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Attorney General Ashley Moody to succeed Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate. This decision comes as Rubio is set to join President-elect Donald Trump’s administration as Secretary of State. DeSantis made the announcement during a press conference in Orlando, praising Moody for her unwavering support in various battles against what he termed the Democratic Party’s “woke agenda.”
DeSantis highlighted Moody’s track record since she took office as attorney general in 2019, noting her commitment to results over rhetoric. He stated, “In every major battle we have had since I have been governor, she has been with us every step of the way — not just talk, it’s results. These results are very, very important, and she understands the gravity of the moment.”
In her capacity as attorney general, Moody has been involved in significant legal disputes, including a lawsuit against FEMA related to alleged civil rights violations in hurricane aid distribution. Last year, she accused the agency of discriminating against Trump supporters, claiming dismissal of aid based on political affiliations. The allegations centered around a former FEMA supervisor who instructed workers to bypass homes displaying Trump signs.
During the announcement, Moody expressed her readiness to address illegal immigration and prioritized goals in alignment with the incoming Trump administration’s agenda. “I’m ready to show up and fight for this nation and fight for President Trump to deliver the America First agenda on Day 1,” she declared.
However, her appointment has drawn criticism from the Florida Democratic Party. Chair Nikki Fried, who previously supported Moody, expressed disappointment, stating that Moody would represent “MAGA extremism” in the Senate rather than prioritizing the interests of Floridians. Fried’s remarks reflect a growing divide in the political landscape of the state.
If confirmed, Moody will serve until the next election for the Senate seat scheduled in 2026.
In a climate marked by polarized views, Moody’s appointment represents a significant shift in Florida’s political dynamics and highlights emerging tensions ahead of the upcoming legislative sessions. As the political landscape evolves, it will be important to examine how Moody’s Senate tenure unfolds in relation to key issues affecting both Florida and the nation.