Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has named James Uthmeier as the state’s new Attorney General, succeeding Ashley Moody, who was appointed to the U.S. Senate. Uthmeier, a seasoned attorney and trusted advisor to the governor, will assume the role immediately, continuing the administration’s emphasis on law and order.
“With James Uthmeier as Attorney General, Florida has the best of both worlds: he understands the law and he gets the politics,” said Republican Party of Florida Chairman Evan Power. “As an accomplished attorney, General Counsel in Governor DeSantis’s legal office, and Chief of Staff, James has excelled in implementing the policies that make our state shine. He will defend our Constitution and continue the good fight to ensure that Florida remains a law-and-order state where individuals and families can continue to grow and prosper.”
Uthmeier’s appointment highlights his significant role in shaping the governor’s conservative policies. As General Counsel and later Chief of Staff, he was instrumental in crafting initiatives that have positioned Florida as a model of Republican governance.
“James Uthmeier has been instrumental in ensuring Florida remains a beacon of conservative principles and prosperity,” Governor DeSantis stated. “His dedication to upholding the rule of law and protecting Floridians’ freedoms makes him the ideal choice for Attorney General.”
Before his tenure with the DeSantis administration, Uthmeier served in the Trump administration as Senior Advisor and Counsel to then-Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. His expertise encompasses a range of legal and policy areas, including commerce, regulatory reform, and state governance.
“Floridians can rest assured that the Attorney General’s office is in the best of hands,” DeSantis said, emphasizing Uthmeier’s capability to handle both legal complexities and political challenges.
As Attorney General, Uthmeier is expected to continue efforts to combat crime, enforce immigration laws, and protect individual freedoms. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment as Florida aims to maintain its leadership in economic growth and public safety.
With a Republican supermajority in the state legislature and a unified Republican Cabinet, Uthmeier will collaborate with state leaders to advance policies aligned with Florida’s conservative values.
Uthmeier succeeds Ashley Moody, whose tenure was marked by a strong defense of Florida’s legal framework. Uthmeier is anticipated to build on her legacy, ensuring that Florida remains a national leader in law enforcement and governance.