Trump endorses Ashley Moody for Senate in 2026

Kirby Wilson, Tampa Bay Times on Jul 24, 2025

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President Donald Trump is endorsing Ashley Moody for a full term U.S. Senate seat.

Moody, who was twice elected to be Florida Attorney General, was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in January to replace Sen. Marco Rubio. Trump had tapped Rubio to be Secretary of State, leaving the seat open.

She’ll face voters in a senate race for the first time in 2026.

“Ashley is working tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Help Secure our already Secure Southern Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, Strengthen our Great Military/Veterans, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump posted with his trademark capitalization style to Truth Social.

Trump’s endorsement is noteworthy because Moody endorsed DeSantis over the former president in 2023 when the two squared off for the GOP presidential nomination. Trump’s backing signals strong support for Moody throughout the GOP, and likely heads off any serious primary challenge.

Moody was a staunch supporter of Trump as attorney general. In the wake of the 2020 election, she backed a lawsuit that sought to overturn Trump’s defeat to Joe Biden. The U.S. Supreme Court did not hear the suit.

A campaign backing Moody’s run has already raised some $2.4 million, federal campaign records show.

Democrats have their work cut out in the race against Moody. The Hillsborough County native won both of her attorney general races with more votes than DeSantis, who’s proven to be a popular two-term governor.

Democrats Joshua Weil, Tamika Lyles and Alex Gould have signed up to challenge Moody. Michaelangelo Collins Hamilton is currently Moody’s lone Republican primary opponent.

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