Ashley Brooke Moody, born on March 28, 1975, in Plant City, Florida, has built a distinguished career in law and politics, culminating in her appointment as the junior United States Senator from Florida in January 2025.
A member of the Republican Party, Moody’s journey to the Senate encompasses roles as a federal prosecutor, circuit court judge, and Florida’s Attorney General.
Most Recent Election Victory
- 2022 Re-election as Florida Attorney General: In the 2022 general election, Moody secured a second term as Florida’s Attorney General by defeating Democratic challenger Aramis Ayala. She garnered approximately 60.6% of the vote, reflecting strong support for her tenure and policies.
Political Path to Becoming a Senator
- Early Legal Career:
- After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting, as well as a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida, Moody began her legal career at the law firm Holland & Knight, focusing on commercial litigation.
- She later served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, prosecuting cases involving drug, firearm, and fraud offenses.
- Judicial Service:
- In 2006, at the age of 31, Moody was elected as a Circuit Court Judge in Hillsborough County, becoming the youngest judge in Florida at that time.
- She served on the bench from 2007 until her resignation in 2017 to pursue the role of Attorney General.
- Attorney General of Florida:
- Elected in 2018, Moody assumed office as Florida’s 38th Attorney General in January 2019.
- During her tenure, she focused on issues such as human trafficking, the opioid crisis, and consumer protection.
- Appointment to the U.S. Senate:
- In January 2025, following Senator Marco Rubio’s appointment as U.S. Secretary of State, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Moody to fill the vacant Senate seat. She was sworn in on January 21, 2025.
Party Leadership Roles
- As of February 2025, Senator Moody has not held specific leadership positions within the Republican Party. However, her roles as Florida’s Attorney General and now as U.S. Senator position her as a prominent figure within the party, particularly in Florida.
Key Bills as Senator
- Given her recent appointment, Senator Moody’s legislative record is in its early stages. As of now, there are no significant bills sponsored or co-sponsored by her. Observers anticipate that her legislative focus will align with her previous priorities, including law enforcement, public safety, and conservative social policies.
Votes and Stances on Economic Issues
- Federal Spending:
- Senator Moody has expressed a commitment to reducing federal spending and addressing the national debt. She advocates for fiscal responsibility and supports measures aimed at curbing government expenditures.
- Tax Policy:
- While specific votes are not yet available, it is expected that Moody will support tax policies that promote economic growth and benefit businesses, consistent with her party’s platform.
Votes and Stances on Social Issues
- Abortion:
- As Attorney General, Moody opposed ballot measures aimed at expanding abortion rights in Florida. She argued against such measures, reflecting her pro-life stance.
- Marijuana Legalization:
- Moody opposed the legalization of recreational marijuana in Florida, expressing concerns about public safety and the potential for increased substance abuse.
- Election Integrity:
- Following the 2020 presidential election, Moody joined other Republican attorneys general in supporting a lawsuit that sought to challenge the election results, citing concerns about election integrity.
Controversial Statements and/or Actions
- 2020 Election Lawsuit:
- Moody’s decision to join a lawsuit challenging the 2020 election results was met with criticism from those who viewed it as an attempt to undermine the democratic process. Supporters, however, saw it as a defense of election integrity.
- Opposition to Ballot Measures:
- Her efforts to prevent ballot measures on abortion rights and marijuana legalization from appearing on the 2024 ballot drew criticism from advocates of these issues, who argued that she was disregarding the will of the voters.
Senator Ashley Moody’s career reflects a commitment to conservative principles and law enforcement. As she embarks on her tenure in the U.S. Senate, her actions and policy positions will continue to shape her legacy and influence on both state and national levels.
