Overview

• James Uthmeier, formerly Ron DeSantis' chief of staff, was sworn in as Florida's attorney general on Monday, replacing Ashley Moody, who now serves in the U.S. Senate.
• Governor DeSantis praised Uthmeier as a 'bulldog' and credited him with advancing key conservative initiatives during his tenure in the administration.
• In his remarks, Uthmeier pledged to combat drug cartels, gangs, and traffickers, while opposing what he described as leftist influence in institutions and legal challenges to conservative policies.
• Uthmeier's appointment has drawn criticism from Florida Democrats, who accuse him of using taxpayer resources to support partisan initiatives and question his impartiality in the role.
• The new attorney general will serve the remainder of the term through January 2027 and is eligible to run for election in 2026.