Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed his former chief of staff, James Uthmeier, as the state's attorney general. Uthmeier, 37, was sworn in during a ceremony in Tallahassee, becoming one of the youngest state attorneys general in Florida's history.
Uthmeier's appointment comes as part of a political shuffle triggered by President Donald Trump's selection of Florida Republicans for his administration. He is expected to lead Florida's legal battles in support of Trump's conservative agenda, as the state's leaders aim to pass new laws and challenge legal precedents.
Uthmeier takes over from former Attorney General Ashley Moody, who was appointed by the governor to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Marco Rubio. DeSantis praised Uthmeier as a dedicated individual who has shown a willingness to fight for what is right, even in challenging circumstances.
In his remarks, Uthmeier pledged to uphold justice and champion an America-first agenda. He expressed a commitment to combatting criminal elements and resisting efforts to undermine established laws and constitutional principles.
Uthmeier, who previously served as the governor's chief of staff, has a background in law and politics. He graduated from the University of Florida and Georgetown Law School before working in Washington and eventually joining the Trump administration.
During his tenure in the governor's office, Uthmeier has been involved in various controversial initiatives, including efforts to oppose measures related to abortion rights and recreational marijuana. His appointment as attorney general signals a continuation of Florida's defense of conservative policies and legal challenges.
The state's Attorney General's Office has a history of aligning with the conservative agendas of DeSantis and Trump, with previous actions including legal battles over election results and contentious ballot measures.
Uthmeier's appointment underscores the ongoing influence of Trump-era politics in Florida and sets the stage for continued legal battles in support of conservative principles.
