Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) announced on Thursday that he has selected Attorney General Ashley Moody to fill the Senate seat vacated by Marco Rubio, who President-elect Donald Trump has tapped to serve as Secretary of State.
“Today I am proud to announce that I am selecting our attorney general, Ashley Moody, to serve as our next U.S. senator,” DeSantis declared at an Orlando news conference, praising her service as the state’s top law enforcement officer. “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 for the American people.”
DeSantis said Trump’s “remarkable” election victory provided a “mandate for change” and urged an end to “business as usual” in Washington. He highlighted border security as a key focus, emphasizing Florida’s collaboration with the incoming administration to enforce immigration laws.
Moody, Florida’s Attorney General since 2019, was previously a commercial litigator, federal prosecutor, and the state’s youngest circuit court judge in 2007. Moody expressed her readiness to serve, saying, “I’m ready to show up and fight for this nation and fight for President Trump to deliver the America First agenda on day one.”
With this appointment, Moody will serve until the next statewide election in 2026, at which point a special election will determine who completes Rubio’s term. Rubio, a senator since 2011, is set to resign upon Trump’s inauguration next week following a smooth confirmation process for his new role.
BREAKING: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appoints Ashley Moody to fill Marco Rubio’s vacant Senate seat. pic.twitter.com/pn57eJ0d8O
— America (@america) January 16, 2025