Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that state Attorney General Ashley Moody will fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Marco Rubio. Rubio is expected to resign soon to become President-elect Donald Trump's Secretary of State. Moody, a close ally of DeSantis, will hold the Senate seat until a special election in 2026.

Moody, who was elected as Florida's Attorney General in 2018, has been a strong supporter of DeSantis and his policies. At a news conference in Orlando, she expressed her commitment to serving Florida and the nation, saying, "I will not let the citizens of Florida down and I will not let my country down."

DeSantis praised Moody for her record on issues like illegal immigration and the opioid crisis, and emphasized the importance of selecting someone who aligns with Trump's policies, particularly on immigration. Moody's appointment is expected to be confirmed once Rubio officially resigns, likely around the time of Trump's inauguration on January 20.

Moody was a favorite for the position, beating out other potential candidates, including several members of Congress. DeSantis had reservations about appointing a House member due to the GOP's slim majority.

Moody's appointment will increase the number of Republican women in the Senate to ten. She will face a special election in 2026 to complete the final two years of Rubio's term, and she is expected to encounter challengers in the Republican primary.

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