In a move that has sent shockwaves through Florida’s political landscape, Governor Ron DeSantis announced his selection for Marco Rubio’s likely Senate replacement—none other than Florida’s Attorney General, Ashley Moody. The announcement, made Thursday morning during a press conference, comes just as speculation about Rubio’s future grows. Rubio, who is expected to be named Secretary of State in a potential Donald Trump administration, will vacate his Senate seat, leaving the state with a critical choice for his successor.
Before unveiling Moody’s name, DeSantis spent much of the press conference addressing several key issues that have dominated both local and national discourse: illegal immigration, the economy, the rise of “woke” ideology, and the need to restore common sense in governance. His words echoed his steadfast commitment to conservative principles, and the weight of these issues played a key role in his selection process for the Senate seat.
BREAKING: DeSantis picks Florida AG Ashley Moody to replace Marco Rubio in the Senate. pic.twitter.com/gkWZOh1Xu4
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) January 16, 2025
For weeks, political insiders had speculated that DeSantis might appoint someone close to former President Trump, with some even pointing to Trump’s daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, as a possible contender. However, DeSantis revealed that while he had a broad list of “great candidates,” his decision-making process was guided by a very specific set of criteria that would best serve both Florida and the nation in these turbulent times.
DeSantis explained that his first and foremost priority was choosing someone who could work alongside Trump to “deliver on the mandate he earned from the American people.” Given the political climate and the battles over federal spending, DeSantis also emphasized the importance of selecting a candidate who was committed to reining in excessive government spending. In addition, he made it clear that the person must understand how the federal bureaucracy has become out of control.
When it came to immigration, DeSantis pointed to the need for a candidate who would stand firm on controlling illegal immigration and would be “willing to shut the border.” He also stated that in terms of legal immigration, he wanted someone who would “put Americans first.” Finally, DeSantis added that his pick must have a “demonstrated record of delivering results” based on tangible actions, not just promises.
With these priorities in mind, DeSantis landed on his pick: Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody.
At 49 years old, Ashley Moody is a seasoned legal and political figure in Florida. Serving as the state’s Attorney General since 2019, Moody has built a reputation for her staunch conservative stance and her willingness to challenge federal policies she deems detrimental to Florida’s interests. She succeeded Pam Bondi, who is also expected to play a role in the Trump administration as the next U.S. Attorney General.
Born and raised in Plant City, Florida, Moody comes from a long line of Floridian heritage—she is a fifth-generation native. Her academic credentials include a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting from the University of Florida, a Master of Law in international law from Stetson University, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida School of Law. Moody’s impressive legal career includes work as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Florida, which helped shape her understanding of the legal system and the importance of federal law enforcement.
Moody’s political career began when she was elected to the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida in 2006, where she served until 2017. In 2017, she made her bid to become Florida’s Attorney General, where she has been actively involved in fighting liberal policies that she believes undermine the state’s values. She has been a vocal opponent of the Affordable Care Act, a critic of federal actions against former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, and a staunch advocate for limiting voting rights for former felons. Her administration also made headlines for suing the federal government over COVID-19 regulations related to cruise ships.
During her time as AG, Moody has firmly positioned herself as a defender of conservative values. Her actions have included opposing the expansion of voting rights for ex-felons and defending Florida’s position against federal mandates, such as the one requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for cruise ship passengers. She also earned praise for her role in fighting the Biden administration’s policies on immigration and law enforcement, advocating for tougher measures to address the surge of illegal immigration into the state.
Despite her legal accomplishments, Moody’s biggest strength, according to DeSantis, is her ability to get things done. “Her demonstrated record of delivering results” was a key factor in the governor’s decision to choose her. Moody’s experience in fighting the federal government on issues that directly impact Floridians will serve her well in Washington, particularly as she is expected to work closely with Trump’s administration on future policies.
On a personal level, Ashley Moody is married to Justin Duralia, a deputy chief with the Plant City Police Department. The couple shares two sons and remains deeply embedded in the local community. This strong family foundation reflects her connection to the state and the values she upholds in both her personal and professional life.
With DeSantis’s announcement, Florida is now on the brink of a new political chapter. As Marco Rubio prepares for his transition to Secretary of State, all eyes will be on Ashley Moody as she takes on the monumental task of filling his shoes in the U.S. Senate. Moody’s ability to stand firm on issues that matter to Floridians—immigration, government spending, and conservative values—will undoubtedly shape her time in the Senate, and with DeSantis’s backing, she seems poised to make a significant impact.
You know that having common sense today is like having a super power.