Ron DeSantis is arguably the most consequential governor in the entire country.
And unlike other big-name governors like Gavin Newsom, and Kathy Hochul, DeSantis’ time as the head of state has been positive for his constituents.
And now America’s Governor just made one announcement that is rocking the boat with this major chain reaction.
Ron DeSantis picks Marco Rubio’s replacement
One of Donald Trump’s least popular cabinet choices among his conservative base was when he tapped Senator neo-con Marco Rubio (R-FL) to be the Secretary of State for his second term in the White House.
However, with Senator Rubio heading up the State Department, it presented an interesting opportunity for Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL).
Governor DeSantis could handpick Rubio’s replacement to represent Florida in the U.S. Senate.
The possibilities were virtually endless for DeSantis.
He could appoint himself to the upper chamber, or even his wife Casey DeSantis.
After an incredible amount of thought, contemplation, and encouragement from so many, I have decided to remove my name from consideration for the United States Senate.
I could not have been more honored to serve as RNC co-chair during the most high-stakes election of our… https://t.co/ARdvTQki9N
— Lara Trump (@LaraLeaTrump) December 21, 2024
Many on team MAGA were calling from America’s Governor to select Republican National Committee co-chair Lara Trump, ex-Congressman Matt Gaetz, or current Representative Byron Donalds.
However, DeSantis has his own team that has helped him turn around the Sunshine State.
It would stand to reason he might want to reward one of his high-achieving team members like Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, chief-of-staff James Uthmeier, or state Surgeon General Joe Ladapo.
The wealth of choices is evidence of the impressive bench that’s been built by Florida Republicans.
Ashley Moody is the next U.S. Senator from Florida
But in the end – and after Lara Trump pulled herself out of the running – DeSantis went with Florida’s Republican Attorney General, Ashley Moody.
Moody has a very conservative track record as Attorney General of the Sunshine State and it is to the Right of Rubio.
🚨 RON DESANTIS ON SENATE APPOINTMENT: “[Next Senator Ashley Moody] took on Jack Smith for his politically motivated persecution of Trump. Fought back against the rogue Attorney General of New York. Led the investigation into the second assas*ination attempt in Palm Beach.”
“She… pic.twitter.com/KSlgjQI8i1
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 16, 2025
She’s proven to be a staunch proponent of the First and Second Amendments and is strongly pro-life.
Moody has sued the Biden Administration many times and favors defunding the United Nations.
While DeSantis may have been able to win over more MAGA voters for a potential 2028 Primary run if he had selected Gaetz, Moody is a strong conservative choice who is committed to Trump’s America First agenda.
And the selection of Moody has set off an interesting round of dominoes.
The luxury problems created by a strong bench
Moody took over the Florida Attorney General’s office in 2019, replacing Pam Bondi – who is likely to be the next Attorney General of the United States.
And DeSantis has elected his chief of staff to fill Moody’s shoes.
Congratulations to @JamesUthmeierFL on the nod to become Florida’s next Attorney General. You’ve served the state well in the Governor’s office, and I know you’ll pursue crime, tackle illegal immigration, and do great things as Florida’s AG. https://t.co/urCPQFwj58
— Casey DeSantis (@CaseyDeSantis) January 16, 2025
DeSantis is termed out as Governor after 2026.
With Uthmeier likely to run for re-election to the Attorney General post, that leaves Floridians with a few interesting options to replace DeSantis.
Lieutenant Governor Nuñez or Surgeon General Ladapo could be next in line.
However, even with Gaetz now out of Congress, the Sunshine State has several other solidly conservative Representatives who could decide to run for the Governor’s mansion.
Byron Donalds and Anna Paulina Luna top that list, but Corey Mills has also expressed interest in a higher position.
Additionally, Pensacola’s Republican Mayor, Ashton Hayward, is rumored to be interested in rising in Florida politics.
If Moody disappoints in the Senate, any of the aforementioned officials could make a Senate bid to fill out the remainder of Rubio’s term in 2026.
Like when a head football coach has the problem of selecting between two great quarterbacks – these are the kind of luxury options a state faces when they build a strong bench.
And perhaps no other state can compete with the Republican bench DeSantis has built in Florida.
