DeSantis Picks Loyaltist, Florida A.G. Ashley Moody, To Replace Rubio In Senate Setting Up Power Struggle Among State Republicans

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has named state Attorney General Ashley Moody to take Marco Rubio’s seat in the U.S. Senate.

Rubio is expected to win his confirmation as President-elect Donald Trump’s secretary of state.

Before making his announcement on Thursday morning, DeSantis said he wanted someone with a “demonstrated record of delivering results.” In addition to endorsing Trump for president, Moody has also accused President Joe Biden of “aiding and abetting” an immigrant “invasion.”

Moody won her first election to become Florida AG in 2018 and her re-election in 2022.

She appeared frequently by DeSantis’s side as they attended events to endorse the incoming Trump administration’s mass deportation program, fueling speculation that she was a top candidate for the role.

Many expressed interest in replacing Rubio, including the incoming president’s daughter-in-law, Lara Trump. DeSantis was not open to the idea, and Lara Trump withdrew from consideration in December 2024.

DeSantis had previously expressed concerns that appointing a member of the House was not in the state’s best interest, fearing that it would leave the Republicans majority in the Florida chamber too slim.

“I want somebody that’s going to work with President Trump to deliver on the mandate he earned from the American people,” DeSantis said. This includes cutting spending, stopping inflation and fighting against illegal immigration.

After choosing Moody for Senate, DeSantis clears the way for his chief of staff, James Uthmeier, to replace her as AG, DeSantis said in a press conference in Orlando on Thursday. Moody’s appointment is expected to mark the start of a ripple effect in Florida politics.

Both positions will be up when an election is held in 2026, setting Moody on course to campaign against Republican Rep. Cory Mills, who said he plans to run for Rubio’s seat. Rep. Byron Donalds also announced that he would prepare a team to run for governor in 2026 when DeSantis will be term-limited out of office.

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