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FLORIDA - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed his former chief of staff, James Uthmeier, as the state’s new attorney general, placing a trusted ally in the top law enforcement position.
Uthmeier, 37, was sworn in during a ceremony in Tallahassee, marking another key shift in Florida’s political landscape as state leaders align closely with the new Trump administration.
Uthmeier replaces former Attorney General Ashley Moody, whom DeSantis selected to fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by Marco Rubio after he was tapped as Secretary of State under President Donald Trump.
The appointment positions Uthmeier to lead Florida’s legal battles on key conservative issues as the state looks to advance policies in lockstep with Trump’s agenda.
During the ceremony, DeSantis praised Uthmeier’s work in his administration, describing him as a “bulldog” who consistently took on difficult fights.
Uthmeier played a significant role in shaping the governor’s legal strategies, including legal challenges against federal mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in higher education.
DeSantis commended Uthmeier for being a relentless advocate for conservative policies and standing firm even when faced with legal and political opposition.
In his remarks, Uthmeier pledged to uphold conservative principles and aggressively pursue justice.
He emphasized his commitment to what he called an “America-first agenda,” vowing to take on drug cartels, gangs, and human traffickers.
He also expressed a willingness to challenge activists and legal groups attempting to overturn Republican-backed policies, specifically calling out efforts to weaken abortion restrictions and other socially conservative measures.
Uthmeier stated that he would not allow what he referred to as leftist ideology to influence Florida’s legal system and institutions.
His appointment follows years of work in both state and federal government.
A native of Destin, Florida, Uthmeier earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and political science, as well as a master’s degree in international business from the University of Florida.
He later obtained a law degree from Georgetown Law School.
Before joining DeSantis’ administration, he served as a senior adviser to then-Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross in the Trump administration and worked as an associate at the law firm Jones Day.