Favorite emerging to replace Rubio in the Senate

By Kimberly Leonard, Gary Fineout | 01/09/2025 06:24 AM EST

It is the highest-profile pick Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will make, and it could have a domino effect across the state.

Gov. Ron DeSantis listens as Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody speaks.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis listens as Attorney General Ashley Moody speaks. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Time is running short for Gov. Ron DeSantis’ first big decision of 2025 — picking Marco Rubio’s replacement in the Senate.

Asked on Tuesday if he’s made up his mind, the governor said he still has not decided whom he will appoint to replace Rubio.

But all signs point to him leaning toward Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, with Rubio bound for the State Department under President-elect Donald Trump. And 10 people familiar with the selection process, all granted anonymity to discuss the decision freely, said Moody was viewed as the leading contender for the seat.

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Moody has been a staunch DeSantis supporter — but also has been vocally supportive of Trump, particularly his positions on legal matters. She recently filed state charges against Ryan Routh, the man charged with attempting to assassinate Trump at his Florida golf course.

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