Related videos:
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced this Thursday at a press conference in Orlando that Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has been selected to replace Senator Marco Rubio in the United States Senate.
This decision comes after Rubio's nomination as Secretary of State by elected President Donald Trump, which opened a vacancy in the Senate seat for Florida.
Moody, 49 years old, would become the second woman to hold a seat in the U.S. Senate from Florida, a position first held by Paula Hawkins from 1981 to 1987, as reported by Local 10.
The Attorney General will hold the position until the general elections in 2026, when the seat will be up for grabs again.
DeSantis was responsible for selecting from a group of candidates -including Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of Donald Trump- as Rubio's successor.
This Thursday, he praised Moody's positions on issues such as illegal immigration and the size of government, highlighting her conservative profile.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Moody gained visibility by urging the federal government to "hold China accountable" for the outbreak.
Additionally, he has been a key figure in defending DeSantis's conservative agenda, getting involved in litigation related to policies from the Biden administration, including immigration reform, student loan forgiveness, and vaccine mandates for federal contractors.
Moody was elected attorney general of Florida in 2019, and prior to this position, she worked as a federal prosecutor and was elected circuit judge in Hillsborough County in 2006. She was also one of the attorneys general who signed the lawsuit backed by Trump to contest the results of the 2020 presidential elections.
Moody's appointment now creates a significant opening in Florida's cabinet, giving DeSantis the opportunity to further expand his influence in the state.
In addition, the governor will need to appoint a successor for the position of Florida's Chief Financial Officer, which will be vacant following the departure of Jimmy Patronis, who is leaving his position to run for a seat in Congress.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ashley Moody's Appointment as Florida Senator
Who has been appointed to replace Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate?
Florida's Attorney General, Ashley Moody, has been appointed to replace Marco Rubio in the United States Senate. This decision was announced by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis following Rubio's nomination as Secretary of State by elected President Donald Trump.
Why will Marco Rubio leave his position in the Senate?
Marco Rubio will resign from his position in the Senate as he has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump as Secretary of State. This nomination requires his resignation from the seat he has held since 2010, thus creating a vacancy that will be temporarily filled by Ashley Moody.
What experience does Ashley Moody have to hold a seat in the U.S. Senate?
Ashley Moody has a strong legal background, having served as Florida's Attorney General since 2019. Additionally, she was a federal prosecutor and circuit judge in Hillsborough County. She has also been a key figure in defending Governor DeSantis's conservative agenda, participating in litigation related to the Biden administration's policies.
How long will Ashley Moody hold the Senate seat?
Ashley Moody will occupy the Senate seat until the general elections of 2026. In that year, the seat will be contested again, allowing Florida voters to decide who will hold the position permanently.
What impact does Ashley Moody's appointment have on the Florida cabinet?
The appointment of Ashley Moody to the Senate creates an important vacancy in Florida's cabinet, giving Governor Ron DeSantis the opportunity to further expand his influence in the state. He will need to appoint a successor for the position of Florida's Chief Financial Officer, which will also soon be vacant.
Filed under: