Written by Samuel Hayes.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced his pick to replace Senator Marco Rubio, who has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as secretary of state. DeSantis has chosen Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, a longtime ally, to fill the Senate seat.
The move has garnered attention not only because of Moody’s close working relationship with DeSantis but also because she has played a key role in advancing the governor’s agenda in Florida. Moody has made a name for herself as a staunch defender of conservative principles, working to push back against federal overreach and prioritize the autonomy of Florida.
When asked about the possibility of stepping into the Senate role during a previous interview on Fox and Friends First, Moody expressed her commitment to her current position but left the door open. “I have my hands full here as attorney general,” she said. “But of course, I love being in leadership, working with President Trump and Governor DeSantis, and I hope to continue working on behalf of Floridians.” Now, it seems that opportunity has arrived.
Lara Trump Bows Out
Interestingly, Ashley Moody wasn’t the only name floated as a possible replacement for Rubio. For a time, Lara Trump, President Trump’s daughter-in-law and a former RNC co-chair, was considered a leading contender. Trump, who moved to Florida with her husband Eric three years ago, hinted at her interest in a Senate run during interviews with Fox News and the Associated Press.
While her family name carried weight and she expressed a deep commitment to conservative values, Lara ultimately decided against pursuing the role. “After an incredible amount of thought, contemplation, and encouragement from so many, I have decided to remove my name from consideration for the United States Senate,” she wrote on X.
Lara’s decision clears the way for Moody, whose established political track record makes her a natural choice for the position. DeSantis and Moody have worked hand-in-hand on key issues like defending Florida’s sovereignty and challenging federal mandates, which makes her appointment less surprising to insiders.
Rubio’s Departure to the State Department
Marco Rubio’s move to the State Department signals a major shift for the GOP’s foreign policy strategy. Although Rubio and Trump famously clashed during the 2016 Republican primaries, their relationship has since evolved into a productive partnership. Trump’s decision to nominate Rubio as secretary of state demonstrates a mutual respect forged in the fire of political rivalry.
Rubio’s departure comes at a time when America’s standing on the global stage has been hotly debated. As a vocal critic of the Biden administration, Rubio has repeatedly warned of the consequences of weaponized institutions, cultural decline, and the erosion of traditional values.
During an interview last year, Rubio offered a sobering assessment of the nation’s challenges. He criticized America’s post-Cold War “cultural hysteria,” citing the decline of two-parent families, the outsourcing of manufacturing, and the politicization of key institutions as major threats to the country’s strength. “Reality is catching up, and it’s hurting us badly,” Rubio said.
His appointment as secretary of state suggests that Trump’s foreign policy agenda will prioritize a return to national strength, traditional values, and a rejection of the “decadence” Rubio lamented.
A New Chapter for Florida Politics
With Rubio heading to Washington, Florida politics are poised for a shake-up. Ashley Moody’s promotion to the Senate brings another strong conservative voice to Capitol Hill, and her appointment reflects the ongoing partnership between DeSantis and Trump.
Moody has earned her reputation as a fighter. Whether it’s taking on federal overreach, challenging COVID-19 mandates, or defending the rights of Floridians, she’s been a key figure in DeSantis’s administration. Now, she’ll have the chance to take those battles to the Senate.
Her appointment also underscores Florida’s growing influence in national politics. With leaders like DeSantis, Rubio, and now Moody taking on prominent roles, the Sunshine State continues to shape the direction of the Republican Party.
Our Take
Ashley Moody’s appointment to the Senate is a smart, strategic move that strengthens Florida’s conservative leadership. As someone who has consistently fought for state sovereignty and pushed back against federal interference, Moody is well-prepared to represent Floridians on a national stage.
That said, Rubio’s warnings about America’s cultural and institutional decline shouldn’t be ignored. His departure for the State Department highlights the broader challenges facing the nation—challenges that require more than just policy changes. They demand a cultural shift toward responsibility, accountability, and traditional values.
The Left has long sought to undermine the foundations of America by attacking the nuclear family, eroding trust in institutions, and promoting globalist agendas. Rubio’s appointment as secretary of state and Moody’s rise to the Senate signal a much-needed counterbalance. But this battle is far from over.
