Ashley Moody Clinches Florida Republican Nomination for U.S. Senate Special Election

TAMPA, FL — U.S. Senator Ashley Moody decisively clinched the Republican nomination for Florida's U.S. Senate special election on Tuesday night, securing over 82 percent of the vote against primary challenger Douglas Chico.

Primary Dominance and Legislative Focus

Moody, who was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in early 2025 following Marco Rubio's appointment to the presidential cabinet, swept all 67 Florida counties. She campaigned on her legislative record in the Senate Judiciary Committee, emphasizing federal judicial confirmations, southern border interdiction funding, and federal anti-fentanyl trafficking legislation.

Her campaign amassed an unprecedented statewide war chest, drawing widespread backing from state law enforcement associations, agricultural cooperatives, and Florida's congressional delegation.

Contrasting Visions for the Fall Ballot

Moody will face Democratic nominee Angie Nixon in the November 3 special election. Political observers anticipate a stark contrast between Moody's focus on national defense readiness, border enforcement, and regulatory restraint against Nixon's progressive economic agenda.

In her victory address in Tampa, Moody affirmed that her general election campaign will focus on national security, domestic energy independence, and economic growth policies designed to curb inflation.

Senate Campaign Dynamics

The National Republican Senatorial Committee immediately released a $5 million digital and broadcast reservation in Florida markets to support Moody's campaign through November.