Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has made his pick to fill Marco Rubio’s U.S. Senate seat, announcing on Thursday that he selected Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody for the role.

As reported by The Gateway Pundit, this move follows Rubio’s appointment by former President Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of State in Trump’s anticipated second term.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis gestures as he speaks to a large crowd, Tuesday September 3, 2024 joined by other state officials to highlight state funding for nursing education during a news conference at Daytona State College.

During a press conference in Orlando, DeSantis praised Moody’s record and emphasized the significance of the decision. “Today, I am proud to announce that I am selecting our attorney general, Ashley Moody, to serve as our next U.S. senator,” DeSantis declared.

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He continued, “These are always significant appointments, but I think right now appointments like these are more significant than ever. This is a time for action and a time for Washington, D.C., to deliver results for the American people.”

Ashley Moody, 49, has been Florida’s Attorney General since 2019 and has earned a reputation as a no-nonsense, tough-on-crime Republican. Known for her strong conservative values, Moody is expected to bring a steady and reliable presence to the Senate, bolstering DeSantis’ vision for Florida’s future.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody talks about fentanyl during a press conference at the Polk Sheriff’s Operations Center Wednesday August 28 2024, in Winter Haven Fl. Ernst Peters/The Ledger

Under Florida law, vacant Senate seats are filled by gubernatorial appointment, with the appointee serving until the next statewide election. This means Moody will hold the seat until 2026, when a special election will determine who serves the remainder of Rubio’s term.

The winner of that election will then need to run again in 2028 to secure a full six-year term.

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DeSantis’ decision ends months of speculation surrounding the appointment. Among those reportedly considered were Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, DeSantis’ Chief of Staff James Uthmeier, and former Florida House Speaker Jose Oliva.

Trump’s daughter-in-law, who was initially a prominent contender, removed herself from consideration last month.

Moody’s appointment is a clear signal of DeSantis’ priorities: strong conservative leadership and an unwavering commitment to public safety and accountability.

As Attorney General, Moody has consistently championed conservative causes and pushed back against federal overreach.

Her track record includes fighting against open-border policies, advocating for law enforcement, and defending Second Amendment rights.

DeSantis’ decision to elevate Moody to the Senate reflects his confidence in her ability to represent Florida’s values on the national stage.

This appointment solidifies Florida’s position as a key state for conservative leadership, ensuring that the Sunshine State remains at the forefront of the fight for constitutional freedoms and effective governance.