Florida’s political scene is always a bit of a wild ride, and right now, it's no different. If you’re looking at the big stage in D.C., the state is currently represented by two Republicans who couldn't be more different in how they got there. You have Rick Scott, the former Governor who’s been around the block, and then there's Ashley Moody, the newer face in the U.S. Senate who just stepped into the role in early 2025.
Honestly, it’s a weird time for the Sunshine State. For the first time since the Reconstruction era, Florida is sending two Republicans to the Senate simultaneously. That's a massive shift for a state that used to be the ultimate "purple" battleground.
The Current Lineup: Rick Scott and Ashley Moody
So, who are these two?
Rick Scott is the senior senator. He’s been in the seat since 2019 after a nail-biter of an election against Bill Nelson. You probably know him as the "Jobs, Jobs, Jobs" guy from his Tallahassee days. He just secured a fresh term in the 2024 elections, beating Debbie Mucarsel-Powell with a pretty solid margin. He’s basically the veteran in the room now.
Then you have Ashley Moody. Her path was a bit more of a whirlwind. When Marco Rubio left his seat to join the second Trump administration as Secretary of State, Governor Ron DeSantis had to pick a replacement. He went with Moody, who was the state’s Attorney General at the time. She officially assumed office on January 21, 2025.
Why the 2026 Special Election is Lurking
Here is the thing most people miss: Moody isn't just "in" until 2028. Because she was appointed to fill a vacancy, there has to be a special election to decide who actually finishes out the rest of Rubio’s original term.
That election is coming up fast in November 2026.
Moody is running to keep the job, obviously. But because it’s Florida, everyone and their cousin is eyeing that seat. We’re already seeing names like Alan Grayson and Jennifer Jenkins popping up on the Democratic side. It’s going to be a frenzy. If you think Florida politics is quiet, you're just not looking at the calendar.
What Rick Scott is Doing in D.C. Right Now
Rick Scott doesn't really do "quiet."
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Lately, he’s been leaning hard into his role on the Senate Judiciary and Banking committees. Just this month, in January 2026, he’s been flooding the floor with new bills. He’s pushing things like the "More Affordable Care Act" (aimed at health care costs) and the "No Relief for Allies of Dictators Act."
He’s clearly positioning himself as a major voice for the "MAGA" wing of the party, often echoing the priorities of the White House. He's also been vocal about government waste, which has been his brand for a decade. Love him or hate him, the guy is productive. He’s also famous for having one of the best constituent service operations in Congress. If you’re a Floridian and you have a problem with a federal agency, his office is usually the one people tell you to call.
Ashley Moody: From Attorney General to U.S. Senator
Moody’s transition has been fascinating to watch.
As Attorney General, she was the one leading the charge on legal battles against federal overreach. Now, she’s the one actually making the laws. She took over Rubio’s spot in the Russell Senate Office Building and has hit the ground running.
Her focus has stayed pretty consistent with her legal background. You’ll see her talking a lot about:
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- Border security and its impact on Florida’s drug crisis.
- Cracking down on retail theft and organized crime.
- Protecting seniors from scams—a huge deal in a state with our demographics.
She’s in a tough spot, though. She has to prove to voters in less than two years that she deserves to stay there, all while learning the ropes of a very different kind of legislative body.
Why Floridians Should Actually Care
It’s easy to tune out "two senators from Florida" talk as just more noise from Washington. But these two have a massive impact on your wallet and your daily life.
Think about insurance. Florida is in a full-blown property insurance crisis. While a lot of that is handled at the state level in Tallahassee, federal flood insurance and disaster relief are handled by Scott and Moody. When a hurricane hits—and let’s be real, it will—these are the two people responsible for making sure FEMA money actually shows up.
The Power Dynamic
With John Thune taking over as Senate Majority Leader in 2025, the power dynamic has shifted. Scott famously tried to challenge Mitch McConnell for leadership in the past. Now that McConnell is stepping back and Thune is in, Scott and Moody are part of a 53-seat Republican majority that is moving fast on judicial appointments and tax reform.
Practical Next Steps for You
If you want to stay informed or actually get something done, don't just read the headlines.
- Check their voting records: Use sites like Congress.gov to see how Scott and Moody actually voted on the last big spending bill. Don't take their word for it in a press release.
- Reach out: If you’re dealing with a passport delay or a VA issue, use Rick Scott’s constituent services. They pride themselves on that stuff.
- Watch the 2026 Special Election: If you’re a registered voter in Florida, keep an eye on the August 2026 primaries. That’s where the real decisions are made before the general election in November.
The 2026 map is technically "favorable" for Republicans because Democrats are defending fewer seats, but Florida is never a sure thing. Whether Moody can hold the seat or if Scott’s influence continues to grow will define the state's direction for the next decade.