‘Fantastic partner’: Republican Attorneys General Association endorses James Uthmeier

Attorney General James Uthmeier picked up a key endorsement in his bid to hold on to Florida’s top law enforcement job.

The Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA^[1]) is officially backing Uthmeier for the 2026 election. RAGA officials said they like Uthmeier’s aggressive approach and his willingness to get involved in criminal cases.

“As Florida’s top law enforcement officer, Uthmeier’s office has been directly involved in more than 1,000 arrests for sex crimes against minors and the rescue of nearly 100 missing children,” a statement from RAGA said. “He’s taken down countless organized crime networks, including large human trafficking and drug trafficking rings.”

Uthmeier became Attorney General after Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed his predecessor, Ashley Moody, to the U.S. Senate to replace Marco Rubio, who became Secretary of State. DeSantis appointed Uthmeier to the Attorney General’s job.

Uthmeier earned the RAGA endorsement over another Republican seeking the position. Steven Leskovich, a lawyer from Punta Gorda and member of the GOP, is also running in the contest. The Republican Primary is set for Aug. 18.

There is speculation that former Republican U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz might also run for the post.

Whoever gets the GOP Primary nod will likely face a formidable challenge in the General Election, set for Nov. 3 of next year. Democrat José Javier Rodríguez has already started his campaign^[2] for the Attorney General’s post.

Still, RAGA officials like what they see from Uthmeier.

“Since his appointment, General Uthmeier has led the Attorney General’s Office with integrity, conviction and a steadfast commitment to conservative principles,” said Kris Kobach, Kansas Attorney General and Chair of RAGA. “He has been a fantastic partner with RAGA, consistently standing up for the rule of law and the people of Florida.”

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Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics contributed to this report.

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