Republican Ashley Moody has officially been elected Florida's attorney general after a ***narrow*** victory over Democrat Sean Shaw.
The attorney general seat was left open after Pam Bondi reached her eight-year term limit. Moody was endorsed by Bondi. Her election continues the Republican presence in the seat, which has not been held by a Democrat since 2002.
"I have been honored to have her support from day 1 of this campaign and I will work hard to deserve it," Moody said on Election Day of her predecessor.
In her campaign platform, Moody, a former Hillsborough County Circuit Court judge, focused on adhering strictly to the U.S. Constitution. According to her website, Moody plans to expand anti-abortion legislation, fight against "activist judges" and work at "vigorously prosecuting" criminals. Some of Moody's other focuses include promoting religious freedom and fighting against opioid addiction in Florida.
Moody received endorsements from 57 of Florida's 66 sheriffs, including many in Central Florida counties. Her website lists making sure that law enforcement personnel have the "tools, training and support they need" as one of Moody's priorities as an elected official.
Shaw, a Florida House representative and former attorney, said the main points of his platform were in direct response to actions taken during the current administration. His platform included ending human trafficking, reforming gun safety laws, prosecuting Medicaid and consumer fraud and eliminating hate crimes and workplace discrimination.
One of the issues the two candidates disagreed on is Florida's "stand your ground" law, which allows anyone to use lethal force to defend against a perceived threat. Moody supported the law while Shaw vocally disagreed with it.
"The voters have granted me with a great power and I remember along with that comes great responsibility," Moody said. "I will always remember that it isn't about me, it's about you."
Moody will be sworn into office on Jan. 3.
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