Ashley Moody is a Republican attorney and former Florida Attorney General (2019-2025) who was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the U.S. Senate in January 2025 to replace Marco Rubio. She assumed office on January 21, 2025, and was sworn in by Vice President JD Vance alongside Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted. Moody has no announced Republican primary opposition and is heavily favored in the Republican primary. She is the incumbent senator running for the full term.
Born in Plant City, Florida, on March 28, 1975. Moody earned bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting from the University of Florida, a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida School of Law, and a Master of Laws in international law from Stetson University College of Law. She previously served as a circuit court judge in Hillsborough County (2006-2017), an assistant U.S. attorney, and as Florida's 38th Attorney General (2019-2025). She is married to Justin Duralia, deputy chief of the Plant City Police Department and former DEA officer.
Strong law enforcement advocate
Has leveraged relationships built as Attorney General to secure endorsements from State Attorneys and Sheriffs across Florida. In Senate, introduced STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act and COP Act (likely crime-related).
Voting History: Voting record in Senate shows focus on crime and law enforcement issues (25% of legislative focus as of January 2026)
Enforcement-focused
As AG, supported lawsuits to invalidate the ACA and opposed legalization of recreational cannabis. In Senate, indicated immigration enforcement as key focus, planning to work on these issues alongside federal government.
Voting History: Immigration represents 20% of her legislative focus in early Senate term
Restrictive on felons' voting rights
Opposed restoration of voting rights for former felons. After 2018 Voting Rights Restoration Initiative passed, helped push a bill through Florida Senate requiring felons to pay all court fees before restoring voting rights. In 2020, asked FBI to investigate Michael Bloomberg's effort to pay felons' court fees, claiming he potentially violated election laws.
Voting History: Consistent position opposing expanded voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals
ACA opponent
As Attorney General, supported lawsuits to invalidate the Affordable Care Act. In Senate, health issues represent 15% of legislative focus.
School choice advocate
In early Senate term, supported policies giving parents power and input over children's education.
Moody has served in the Senate since January 21, 2025 (approximately 2.5 months as of April 6, 2026). From January 2025 to March 2026, she missed only 5 of 725 roll call votes (0.7%), better than the median of 2.8% among senators currently serving. She passed her first bill off the Senate floor by her 100th day in office, signed by the President the next week. She also passed legislation supporting Kennedy Space Center.
| Bill | Title | Vote | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S. 4176 | STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act | Sponsor | 2026 | Recently introduced legislation focusing on Medicaid fraud prevention |
| S. 3922 | Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2026 | Sponsor | 2026 | Legislation protecting cigar manufacturing interests |
| S. 3843 | TEMP Act | Sponsor | 2026 | Recently introduced legislation |
| S. 3704 | COP Act | Sponsor | 2026 | Crime-related legislation |
| S. 3649 | Restore Trust in Congress Act | Sponsor | 2026 | Anti-corruption focused legislation |
| S. 3650 | Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act | Sponsor | 2026 | Abortion-related legislation |
Official and restrained tone as incumbent senator; campaign messaging emphasizes Trump support and continuation of Attorney General-era policies
Moody is a 'yes' vote for Trump and billionaires, not Florida's senator but 'theirs'
Vindman's campaign theme attacking Moody as Trump loyalist prioritizing billionaire interests over Floridians
Moody caved to big insurance companies on homeowners' insurance crisis; she's a rubber stamp for DeSantis and Trump
Nixon's campaign criticizes Moody's record on property insurance affordability, central campaign issue for Democrats
Moody is 'dangerous' and 'just a rubber stamp for Ron DeSantis and for Donald Trump,' taking marching orders from insurance industries and special interests
Jenkins criticized Moody's career-politician status and ties to special interests before withdrawing and endorsing Vindman