James Uthmeier Sworn in as Florida Attorney General
DeSantis Describes Uthmeier as a “Bulldog”
With Gov. Ron DeSantis describing him as a “bulldog,” James Uthmeier was elevated Monday to become Florida attorney general after serving as the governor’s chief of staff.
Appointment Officially Made
DeSantis made it official during a brief ceremony at the Old Capitol, following earlier announcements that he would appoint Uthmeier to succeed former Attorney General Ashley Moody. DeSantis had appointed Moody to the U.S. Senate, following President Donald Trump’s selection of Marco Rubio to become U.S. Secretary of State.
Uthmeier’s Approach
Uthmeier will serve until the end of the attorney general’s current term in 2026 and would be eligible to run for two additional four-year terms. He has promised to approach the office with an “America first agenda” that fights drug cartels and maintains DeSantis’ approach to government.
Uthmeier’s Vision
“We will not stand idly by as the left tries to infiltrate our institutions and use the court system to indoctrinate our kids,” Uthmeier said. “We will fight the activists that try to weaken our duly enacted laws, that try to challenge our constitutional order and try to harm the unborn.”
Reactions
Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, a Spring Hill Republican and DeSantis ally, praised Uthmeier for helping advance DeSantis’ priorities. “He’s aggressive. He takes no B.S. And he gets things done,” Ingoglia said. “A lot of the things we’ve been able to accomplish as a state is because of Ron DeSantis’ vision and James Uthmeier’s execution.”
However, Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried described the appointment as DeSantis further “weaponizing the judicial branch of government” and said Uthmeier has “shown he is willing to do anything” to assist the governor.
Background
A Destin native, Uthmeier has worked in the governor’s office since 2019, though he took a leave of absence to run DeSantis’ unsuccessful 2024 presidential campaign. After returning to the governor’s office, Uthmeier served as chairman of political committees that backed a successful DeSantis-led fight last year against ballot proposals that would have allowed recreational use of marijuana and enshrined abortion rights in the state Constitution.
Future Initiatives
DeSantis has already outlined some potential initiatives that Uthmeier could undertake as attorney general, including investigating Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, for his role in the COVID-19 pandemic response.
Conclusion
James Uthmeier’s appointment as Florida attorney general brings a new era of leadership to the state’s top law enforcement office. With a strong background in politics and a commitment to DeSantis’ agenda, Uthmeier is poised to make a significant impact in the state.
FAQs
* When does Uthmeier’s term as attorney general begin?
+ Uthmeier’s term as attorney general begins immediately, following the official appointment.
* What is Uthmeier’s stance on key issues?
+ Uthmeier has promised to approach the office with an “America first agenda” that fights drug cartels and maintains DeSantis’ approach to government.
* Who is Uthmeier’s predecessor as attorney general?
+ Ashley Moody, who was appointed to the U.S. Senate by President Donald Trump.
* What is the term length for Uthmeier as attorney general?
+ Uthmeier will serve until the end of the attorney general’s current term in 2026 and would be eligible to run for two additional four-year terms.
