Who is James Uthmeier, governor’s pick for Florida’s next attorney general?

ORLANDO, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis made a major announcement Thursday, appointing Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to replace Marco Rubio in the U.S. Senate.

During the press conference, DeSantis signaled he would appoint his chief of staff, James Uthmeier, to fill the position of Florida attorney general once it becomes available.

“My chief of staff, James Uthmeier, is kind of like Ashley. He’s proven himself in these fights and I think he’s got big shoes to fill, but I think he’ll do a good job doing that,” DeSantis said.

Uthmeier thanked the governor for the appointment on X.com Thursday.

“I’m excited to get to work, build on @AGAshleyMoody’s fine record, help enact the @realDonaldTrump agenda, and defend our people, our constitution, and our Florida way of life!" he wrote.

So who is James Uthmeier? Here’s what you need to know.

Career Background

Uthmeier has served as Governor DeSantis’s chief of staff since October 2021, according to his LinkedIn page. Before that, he worked as general counsel for the governor’s executive office where he oversaw all litigation and legal work of the governor and state executive agencies.

Experience in Washington: From 2018 to 2019, Uthmeier was a senior advisor and counsel to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.

Early Career: Uthmeier began his career as a litigation associate at the DC office of Jones Day.

Campaign Leadership: During DeSantis’s presidential bid, he brought Uthmeier on to serve as his campaign manager, replacing Generra Peck.

Education: Uthmeier is a University of Florida graduate. According to the UF alumni association, he ran varsity track and cross-country for the National Champion Gators. He later earned his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 2014.

If appointed, Uthmeier would serve as attorney general until the 2026 election.

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