DeSantis Appoints Moody to Replace Rubio in Senate

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that Attorney General Ashley Moody will replace Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate, as Rubio is expected to be confirmed as Secretary of State under President-elect Donald Trump. Moody, a close ally of DeSantis and Florida's Attorney General since 2019, is noted for her conservative positions and legal battles against the Biden administration. Her appointment has been praised by Republicans, including DeSantis and Senator Rick Scott, for her commitment to conservative values and the America First agenda, but has drawn criticism from Florida Democrats. Moody, a fifth-generation Floridian, is only the second woman to represent Florida in the Senate and will need to run for reelection in 2026 to complete Rubio's term. This decision reflects DeSantis's strategic move to strengthen Republican influence in Washington while maintaining control in the House.