Moody Secures Florida Senate Seat in Special Election
The former state attorney general defeated Democrat Angie Nixon to serve out the final two years of the term left open by Marco Rubio's departure.
By Jack Weber ·
Ashley Moody won the special election for the Florida U.S. Senate seat vacated by Marco Rubio, defeating Democrat Angie Nixon. NBC News projected the victory for the Republican, who will serve the remainder of the term originally won in 2022.
Moody held a major fundraising advantage that allowed her to dominate the airwaves in a state of 23 million residents. High advertising costs in Florida are often decisive, and Moody used her financial edge to maintain a strong presence throughout the general election.
Nixon had upset expectations by winning the Democratic primary, a result that drew national attention from progressives. Her campaign focused heavily on in-person events and appearances on center-left podcasts, contrasting with Moody’s traditional media strategy.
Florida Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried criticized Moody’s approach during an October news conference in Tallahassee. Fried urged the Republican to engage directly with voters, stating, “Stop hiding behind attacks. Show up and talk to the people you work for.” A sign at the event asked, “Where is Ashley Moody?”
Moody also faced scrutiny over her role in the Hope Florida scandal. As state attorney general, she signed off on a Medicaid settlement that directed $10 million to a charity tied to First Lady Casey DeSantis. That money later supported a political committee opposing a 2024 recreational marijuana ballot measure. No charges were brought after a grand jury reviewed the case.
The campaign centered on Moody’s argument that Nixon was too liberal for a state where registered Republicans now outnumber Democrats by 1.5 million. Moody’s ads highlighted policies associated with the Democratic Socialists of America, such as abolishing the police, a position Nixon publicly distanced herself from.
Moody, who previously won two statewide elections as attorney general, was appointed to the seat by Gov. Ron DeSantis after Rubio joined President Trump’s Cabinet. The seat will appear on the ballot again in 2028 for a full term.
