Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) is projected to win a full term in the U.S. Senate, fending off a challenge from Democratic state Rep. Angie Nixon, according to Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ). With 84.3% of the vote reported as of 8:03 p.m. EST Tuesday, Moody held a narrow 0.7-point edge over Nixon.
The race, which Cook Political Report had rated as solidly Republican, turned into a tighter contest than many expected. Nixon, a self-described democratic socialist, pulled off a surprising primary victory earlier this year, setting up a matchup that drew national attention.
Moody was appointed to the Senate last year by Gov. Ron DeSantis after Marco Rubio resigned to join President Trump's cabinet. She entered the race with the backing of the former president, who praised her as "doing a tremendous job representing the incredible people of Florida," a state he carried in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
The campaign was marked by sharp exchanges. Nixon called for Moody to be "locked up and punished in jail" over allegations tied to a state charity program. A sealed grand jury report, obtained by CBS News Miami, suggested Moody was aware of a plan to divert taxpayer funds to Hope Florida and authorized her former chief deputy attorney general to sign a settlement agreement related to the matter.
Moody, a former state attorney general, campaigned heavily on her legal background, emphasizing law enforcement and public safety. She framed the race as a choice between "safety and chaos," according to WPTV, and on social media declared, "This election is Freedom vs. Socialism. We cannot afford to have the radical Left take over our Free State."
Nixon, who represents parts of Jacksonville, ran on a progressive platform, advocating for Medicare for All and a Green New Deal. Her campaign sought to energize younger and minority voters, though she struggled to overcome Florida's increasingly Republican tilt.
Moody's victory adds to a string of Republican wins in the state, including Byron Donalds' projected win in the governor's race, which made history. The results underscore Florida's status as a GOP stronghold, even as Democrats hoped to make inroads.
With Moody's win, Republicans maintain their hold on both Senate seats from Florida. The state's other senator, Rick Scott, was not up for reelection this cycle.
The race also highlighted the influence of national issues, with Moody aligning herself with Trump's immigration agenda and his broader policy platform. Nixon, meanwhile, sought to tie Moody to corruption allegations, but the strategy did not yield the upset Democrats had hoped for.
As full results come in, Moody's narrow margin will likely be scrutinized, but the projection gives Republicans a crucial seat as they defend their Senate majority.
