Plant City native Ashley Moody, a former Hillsborough Circuit Judge and former Federal Prosecutor, confirmed recent rumors Thursday when she filed official paper work to run for Florida Attorney General in 2018.
The filing comes barely a month after Moody, 42, stepped down from the bench in what, at the time, seemed to many a surprise move. She gave no explanation in a resignation letter to the governor, only stating she'd be forever grateful for the trust citizens had in her. Rumors began to swirl as to why Moody, who was the youngest judge in Florida when she was elected in 2006, would step down. It was speculated that she could try to fill the recently vacated role of U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida or run for the Attorney General position Pam Bondi, who is now term-limited, will vacate at the end of her current term. Thursday, Moody confirmed the latter.
"My resignation was a surprise to many because I loved the job and gave it my all. People recognized that I had a passion for justice and making sure everyone had a right to due process and access to justice, Moody said. "Now that people are aware of what I’d like to do and accomplish as Attorney General, that same attention to detail and passion for justice will translate into that new role and it will not surprise anyone that I decided to do this."
This post will be updated.