On the eve of Florida's 2016 presidential primary, state attorney general Pam Bondi endorsed Donald J. Trump at a rally in Tampa, surprising many within the Republican Party. Her endorsement followed the exit of her initial choice, former Governor Jeb Bush, while Senator Marco Rubio remained in the race.
Bondi stated, "I kept my word to Jeb and the day Jeb got out of the race, I committed to Donald Trump." She viewed Trump as an outsider, similar to herself, having first won her position as attorney general in 2010 during the Tea Party movement.
By 2016, Bondi had become part of Florida's political establishment but recognized a transformative moment for the Republican Party. Her early support for Trump has contributed to his decision to appoint her as U.S. attorney general.
Adam Goodman, a political consultant, remarked on the significance of early endorsements in challenging political environments. Over the years, Bondi transitioned from a traditional Republican to a staunch Trump supporter, becoming a close adviser and legal representative during Trump's impeachment trial.
Florida has become a stronghold for Trump-aligned Republicans, and Bondi's early endorsement positioned her as a favorable choice after the withdrawal of Matt Gaetz from consideration for attorney general due to scandal.
Despite differing political views, Democratic state attorney Dave Aronberg expressed relief at Bondi's selection, noting her loyalty to Trump and her adherence to legal principles. Critics, however, express concerns about her commitment to Trump's agenda potentially undermining the Justice Department's independence.
Bondi's record has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding her handling of investigations linked to Trump University after receiving campaign contributions from Trump's foundation. A state ethics panel found no probable cause for legal violations related to the case.
Throughout her career, Bondi has faced controversies but remained resilient, winning re-election by a substantial margin in 2014. After leaving office in 2019, she joined a prominent lobbying firm, maintaining relationships with former political opponents.
Born in 1965, Bondi is a fourth-generation Floridian and graduated from the University of Florida and Stetson University College of Law. She built a notable career as a prosecutor before entering politics, winning the attorney general race in 2010 by presenting herself as an outsider.
As Florida's first female attorney general, Bondi took firm stances against same-sex marriage and medical marijuana legalization and led efforts to combat illegal prescription drug sales. She faced criticism for a scheduling conflict that delayed an execution to facilitate a campaign fundraiser.
Bondi's past custody battle over a dog adopted after Hurricane Katrina received media attention during her campaign. Ultimately, she returned the dog to its original owners.
Colleagues have described Bondi as amiable and cooperative, emphasizing her ability to work effectively with law enforcement and across party lines. This collaborative approach, combined with her prosecutorial background, is expected to benefit her role as U.S. attorney general.