Republican Ashley Moody defeated Democrat Angie Nixon in a special election, securing the U.S. Senate seat previously held by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Moody to fill the vacancy after Rubio assumed his position in the presidential Cabinet. She will serve the remaining two years of the term before seeking a full six-year seat in the 2028 election cycle.
Moody conducted a disciplined, traditional campaign bolstered by strong grassroots support and a decisive fundraising advantage, a strategy that resonated with Florida’s rapidly expanding conservative electorate. Throughout the race, she emphasized the sharp policy contrasts between the two candidates, drawing particular attention to Nixon’s documented ties to the Democratic Socialists of America.
Campaign advertisements brought national scrutiny to the left-wing platform associated with Nixon’s political affiliations. One advertisement stated directly that “Angie Nixon is actually a socialist,” citing radical policy positions including the abolition of law enforcement. Although Nixon sought to distance herself from those positions during the general election, voters ultimately favored Moody’s established record on law and order.
Nixon and Florida Democrats criticized Moody for running a streamlined campaign and declining to participate in formal debates, resorting to political theatrics to generate media coverage. During an October press conference held in Tallahassee, campaign staff displayed a sign that read “Where is Ashley Moody?”
Democrats also attempted to revive partisan criticism surrounding a $10 million Medicaid settlement approved during Moody’s tenure as attorney general. Those funds supported the Hope Florida charitable initiative and subsequently contributed to efforts opposing a 2024 recreational marijuana ballot amendment. Moody consistently maintained that all actions taken were lawful and appropriate, a position supported by a grand jury review that concluded with no charges filed.
With this victory, Moody , who previously won two statewide races for attorney general , retains the Senate seat for the Republican Party and extends the party’s unbroken statewide winning streak, which dates to 2012.
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