Special Poll
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has chosen the state’s Attorney General, Ashley Moody, to succeed Senator Marco Rubio after Rubio’s appointment as the next U.S. Secretary of State. This decision, initially reported by Axios, signals significant political shifts in Florida as Moody, a staunch ally of both DeSantis and Donald Trump, steps into this new role.
The implications of Moody’s appointment extend beyond her new position. DeSantis plans to appoint his Chief of Staff, James Uthmeier, as the new Attorney General, maintaining a line of succession that seems to have been anticipated, as sources close to the matter suggest, “it was always Ashley. And James is the obvious pick to replace her.”
The political landscape in Florida is set for further evolution with Representative Byron Donalds preparing a team for a gubernatorial run in 2026. Additionally, if Moody opts to run for re-election to the Senate, she may face Representative Cory Mills, who has expressed intentions to vie for Rubio’s seat. This could lead to a highly contested race, with the Attorney General’s office also becoming available that year.
Governor DeSantis emphasized the importance of aligning with President Trump’s vision, focusing on reducing government spending, combating inflation, curtailing federal bureaucracy, addressing illegal immigration, and prioritizing Americans in key domestic roles.
Moody, bringing a diverse background as a corporate lawyer, former judge, and local cultural icon, having once been crowned queen of Plant City’s renowned Strawberry Festival, expressed her commitment to vigorously support the “America First” agenda from day one. Her statement underscored her readiness to defend American interests and her strong support for President Trump’s policies.