Moody Wins Florida Senate Contest Over Angie Nixon

Moody, appointed to the Senate in January 2025 after Marco Rubio left for the Trump administration, won her first election to the seat. She will serve the remainder of Rubio’s term, with the seat up again in 2028. The Associated Press called the race for Moody on election night; one tally put her at 50.7% and Nixon at 48.2%.

Nixon’s Strong Florida Challenge Falls Short Against Moody

Ashley Moody held Florida’s Senate seat for Republicans, defeating Angie Nixon even as the Democrat mounted a competitive challenge in a state Democrats have struggled to win. The Associated Press called the race for Moody on election night, with one tally showing her at 50.7% and Nixon at 48.2%. Moody will serve the remainder of Marco Rubio’s term, and the seat will be contested again in 2028.

Nixon’s campaign drew national attention after she upset a more establishment-backed opponent in the Democratic primary. She campaigned across the state on affordability and corruption, while Moody’s role as Florida attorney general was challenged over the Hope Florida matter involving $10 million from a Medicaid settlement. A grand jury did not bring charges, and Moody denied wrongdoing.

Moody’s campaign had a substantial financial advantage and used its messaging to portray Nixon as too liberal, focusing on her Democratic Socialists of America ties. Nixon disputed attacks that she wanted to defund police or abolish prisons. Her strong showing made the contest closer than many Republicans expected, but could not overcome Moody’s advantages in a state where Republicans hold a large voter-registration lead.

Florida Voters Keep Senate Seat in Republican Hands

Florida voters chose Ashley Moody over Angie Nixon, rejecting the Democratic challenger’s bid to take a Republican-held Senate seat. The Associated Press called the race for Moody on election night; one tally showed her with 50.7% of the vote to Nixon’s 48.2%. Moody, appointed after Marco Rubio joined the Trump administration, will serve the remainder of Rubio’s term, with the seat on the ballot again in 2028.

Nixon’s upset primary win put a Democratic Socialists of America-aligned candidate into a high-profile race in a state that has become increasingly Republican. Moody’s campaign made Nixon’s ideology a central issue, arguing that her DSA ties signaled support for policies including defunding police and abolishing prisons. Nixon rejected those characterizations and campaigned on affordability and corruption.

Moody also benefited from endorsements by President Donald Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Sen. Rick Scott, as well as a sizable fundraising edge. Her victory keeps the seat under Republican control, although Nixon’s vote total and the close result made the contest tighter than many Republicans had hoped. The outcome leaves Florida’s broader political direction an open question for future races.