Moody Endorsed by Scott, Looks to Defend Senate Seat in 2026

Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL), who was appointed to the seat by Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) after former Sen. Marco Rubio took the Secretary of State position, has been endorsed by Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) in her bid to defend her seat in 2026.

Sen. Moody served as Florida's Attorney General under Gov. DeSantis from January 2019 to January 2025.

Sen. Scott shared that Moody is "battle tested" with a conservative record to go with it.

"Today, I'm excited to officially announce my endorsement of my good friend and fellow Floridian, Senator Ashley Moody. She's a strong leader who's already bringing her battle-tested, conservative record to the U.S. Senate," said Sen. Scott. "I'm a grandfather, and Ashley's a mom. We're both working hard every single day to leave this place better than how we found it so that you and your family can live your American dream. And that is why we're working together to get President Trump's agenda through the D.C. Swamp. We want safer and stronger communities that thrive for generations to come. "

The senior Florida senator concluded by invoking one of his own slogans before saying that he is "proud" to give the nod to Moody.

"Ashley is making Washington work for Florida, and I'm proud to endorse her," said Scott.

The new Florida senator responded by thanking Scott for the endorsement and encouraged viewers to visit her campaign website.

What Are the Political Ramifications of Moody's Candidacy?

With Gov. DeSantis term-limited after winning reelection in 2022, a Senate run in '26 wouldn't necessarily be surprising. However, with Moody — a loyal DeSantis ally — jumping in the race, it seems a lot less likely.

Moreover, what does this mean for DeSantis, then?

The Florida Governor will officially be out of office in January of 2027, which would give him exactly a calendar year before the Iowa Caucuses in January of '28.

There's a lot of time between now and then, but as of now, DeSantis would have to face the polling juggernaut that is Vice President JD Vance (R).

What Are the Political Ramifications of Scott's Endorsement of Moody?

Scott has never necessarily been anti-DeSantis, but he's always been profoundly pro-Trump since he won in 2016. Therefore, a Scott endorsement of Moody signals that he is 1) willing to support a DeSantis-backed candidate, and 2) not waiting to see if a distinctly pro-Trump candidate, potentially Representative Cory Mills (R-FL), Kat Cammack (R-FL), or even former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz (assuming he doesn't run for Governor) will jump in the race.

Of the three potential candidates mentioned, none of them are necessarily anti-DeSantis either, but all three endorsed Trump in 2024.

Scott's endorsement of Ashley Moody might seem like an afterthought or a given, but it could be the sign of a changing dynamic in the Sunshine State.