GOP’s Ashley Moody wins special Senate election for Marco Rubio’s Florida seat
Moody prevails in special election
NBC News projected Moody’s victory over Nixon in the contest for Florida’s Senate seat. Moody was widely favored, while Nixon entered the general election after an unexpected win in the Democratic primary.
The result extends Republican dominance in Florida, where Democrats have not won a Senate race since 2012. Democrats had viewed Nixon’s candidacy as a chance to build support in the state.
Campaigns took different approaches
Moody used her fundraising advantage to buy extensive advertising in Florida, a state of 23 million people where campaign ads are expensive. Her campaign largely followed a traditional Republican approach.
Nixon held more in-person events across the state and appeared in state media and podcasts. Moody faced criticism for declining to debate Nixon and making fewer public appearances.
Disputes shaped campaign debate
Moody’s campaign portrayed Nixon as too liberal for Florida and focused on proposals associated with the Democratic Socialists of America. Nixon had distanced herself from those positions, including abolishing the police, which she said she did not support.
Moody also faced questions over the Hope Florida matter. As attorney general, she signed off on a deal involving $10 million from a Medicaid settlement that went to a charity tied to Casey DeSantis; the funds were later used by a political committee opposing a 2024 recreational-marijuana ballot measure.
Seat returns to voters in 2028
Moody had previously won two statewide races for attorney general, but this was her first Senate election. DeSantis appointed her after Rubio was selected for a Cabinet role in Trump’s administration.
Moody will serve the remaining two years of the term Rubio won in 2022. Florida voters will choose someone for a full Senate term in 2028.
Key points
- Ashley Moody defeated Angie Nixon in Florida’s special Senate election.
- Moody will serve the final two years of the term Marco Rubio won in 2022.
- The seat will be on the ballot for a full term in 2028.
- Moody denied wrongdoing in the Hope Florida matter; no charges were brought.