Florida AG Considered DeSantis' Top Choice to Replace Rubio

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is considered the favorite as Gov. Ron DeSantis's choice to replace Sen. Marco Rubio, according to people familiar with the matter, The Washington Post reported.

However, the sources said that DeSantis has not made a final decision, with other possible picks including former state House Speaker Jose Oliva.

Rubio is President-elect Donald Trump's choice for secretary of state, and DeSantis expects to name a replacement this month. DeSantis' appointee would serve until an election in 2026, when the governor's race will also take place. DeSantis is blocked by term limits from running for a third consecutive term.

"We'll have somebody teed up ready to go when the new administration begins," the governor said last week at a news conference with Trump and other Republican governors.

Asked at the time if he would check his choice with Trump, DeSantis said he has told the president-elect, "You're gonna have somebody up there that's gonna help you deliver on a mandate that you've received from the American people."

He also said the pick has to have strong principles and "understand the state of Florida."

Tapping Moody would create another vacancy for DeSantis to fill: Florida attorney general. A top candidate for that position would be James Uthmeier, DeSantis' chief of staff and former presidential campaign manager.

One of the people with knowledge of the considerations said that DeSantis has been leaning toward Moody for Senate and Uthmeier for attorney general.

Picking Moody and Uthmeier would promote two close DeSantis allies, according to the Post.

Uthmeier worked for Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross in the first Trump administration and served as general counsel and then chief of staff for DeSantis. He served as a law clerk in Rubio's office from 2012 to 2014.

DeSantis has demonstrated great trust in his top aide, choosing Uthmeier, who had little experience in campaigns, to audit and then manage his 2024 presidential operation after the effort had problems attracting a strong following.