After months of speculation with her name at the top of the list of likely candidates, Attorney General Ashley Moody is heading to the U.S. Senate, sparking a range of reactions from Florida politicos. Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Moody to replace U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, who was selected by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of State.
“I wanted somebody with a demonstrated record of delivering results,” DeSantis said just seconds before revealing Moody as his pick. “Talk is cheap. We need people who have demonstrated fidelity to (our) principles with their actions. So that is why today I am proud to announce that I am selecting our Attorney General, Ashley Moody, to serve as our next U.S. Senator.”
Rubio’s Senate partner and DeSantis’ predecessor praised the choice. “Ashley has done an incredible job fighting for Floridians and keeping our communities safe as Attorney General” U.S. Sen. Rick Scott said on X within minutes of DeSantis’ announcement. “I have no doubt she will do an incredible job as senator!” Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez added, “Floridians will be well represented in the U.S. Senate with @AGAshleyMoody!”
Secretary of State Cord Byrd, said Moody will be a “great representative” for Florida and acknowledged he was among the other candidates DeSantis had considered for the job. “(I) am deeply grateful,” he said, for DeSantis’ “confidence in me and consideration for this appointment.” Republican U.S. Reps. Aaron Bean, Byron Donalds, Carlos Giménez and Laurel Lee agreed.
“Congratulations to @AshleyMoodyFL on her appointment to serve as the next U.S. Senator for the free state of Florida!” Bean said on X. “We will miss her as (Attorney General), but her energy is outstanding, and she will put America First in the Senate. Home run by @GovRonDeSantis!” Donalds, a leading potential candidate for Governor in 2026, applauded DeSantis for the decision. “(I) look forward to working with her in the halls of Congress as we fight to Make America Great Again,” he said.
“Throughout her career, she’s shown unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe and defending our Republican values” Lee wrote on X. “Florida is lucky to have her leading the charge in Washington!” Giménez gave similar congratulations, adding, “Looking forward to continuing working closely together to protect our state & our nation!”
