Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appoints Attorney General Ashley Moody to fill Marco Rubio’s Senate seat, signaling a strong stance on immigration and conservative values.
At a Glance
- Ron DeSantis selects Ashley Moody to replace Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate
- Rubio expected to become Secretary of State in Trump administration
- Moody, Florida’s Attorney General since 2019, known for conservative legal actions
- Appointment aligns with DeSantis’s focus on immigration, economy, and opposing “woke” ideology
- Republicans nationwide praise Moody’s selection as a conservative fighter
DeSantis Makes Strategic Senate Appointment
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed state Attorney General Ashley Moody to fill the Senate seat vacated by Marco Rubio, who is expected to become Secretary of State in the incoming Trump administration. The move, announced on January 16, 2025, aligns with DeSantis’s commitment to addressing illegal immigration, controlling federal expenditure, and opposing what he terms “woke” culture.
Moody, a fifth-generation Floridian and the state’s Attorney General since 2019, brings a solid legal background to the Senate. Her selection has been well-received among Republican supporters nationwide, who view her as a qualified conservative ready to support the America First agenda.
Moody’s Background and Conservative Credentials
Ashley Moody, 49, has served as Florida’s Attorney General since 2019. Her legal career includes experience as a federal prosecutor and circuit court judge. Moody’s tenure as Attorney General has been marked by conservative legal actions, including opposition to the Affordable Care Act and support for strict immigration controls.
“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,” Moody stated, emphasizing her commitment to conservative priorities.
DeSantis highlighted Moody’s alignment with Trump’s agenda and her actions against the Biden administration’s border policies. Her background in challenging federal COVID-19 regulations on cruise ships and participating in legal challenges to the 2020 presidential election results further solidifies her conservative credentials.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis nominates the state's attorney general, Ashley Moody, to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Marco Rubio.
DeSantis said that in his making his decision, he wanted to pick someone who will "work with President Trump to deliver on the mandate he earned,"… pic.twitter.com/jk0cGe9nMf
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 16, 2025
Implications for Immigration and Republican Agenda
The appointment of Moody to the Senate seat is seen as a strategic move to advance conservative policies, particularly on immigration. DeSantis emphasized the importance of this appointment in the current political climate, stating, “These are always significant appointments, but I think right now appointments like these are more significant than ever.”
“This is a time for action and a time for Washington D.C. to deliver results to the American people. There are no more excuses for Republicans,” DeSantis declared, underlining the expectations for Moody in her new role.
Moody’s strong stance on Republican priorities, including border security and opposing federal overreach, aligns with the broader conservative agenda. Her experience in challenging federal policies and her commitment to law enforcement are expected to influence her approach in the Senate.
Gov. DeSantis announces Attorney General Ashley Moody as his choice to fill Marco Rubio's senate seat.
"We've had an attorney general who has been somebody that has acted time and time again to support the values that we all share."pic.twitter.com/RFOrxjgKFH
— The American Conservative (@amconmag) January 16, 2025
Looking Ahead: Moody’s Senate Term and Future Elections
Moody will serve the remaining two years of Rubio’s Senate term, with a special election scheduled for 2026. This appointment gives her a platform to establish her Senate record ahead of a potential re-election bid. The move also reshapes Florida’s political landscape, with DeSantis announcing that his chief of staff, James Uthmeier, will fill Moody’s position as attorney general.
“You better believe that as a United States Senator, I will work for you, those that stand on that thin line between chaos and order, between safety and crime. I have got your back,” Moody affirmed, signaling her commitment to her new role and the constituents she will serve.
As Moody prepares to take her seat in the Senate, Republicans across the nation are watching closely, anticipating her impact on key conservative issues and her role in supporting the America First agenda in the years to come.
Sources:
- Ron DeSantis Chooses Replacement for Rubio’s Senate Seat – PJ Media
- DeSantis picks Ashley Moody, Florida’s attorney general, to replace Rubio in the Senate – CBS News
- Ashley Moody picked to replace Marco Rubio in Senate, DeSantis announces
