By Mitch Perry, The Florida Phoenix
A new survey of the Florida gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races slated for this fall shows Republicans Byron Donalds and Ashley Moody with single-digit leads over their top potential Democratic opponents.
The University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab (PORL) of 786 likely Florida midterm voters shows Donalds, a U.S. representative from Naples who has been endorsed for governor by Donald Trump, leading former Republican U.S. Rep. David Jolly (turned Democrat) by six points, 42%-36%, in a prospective two-man race. Donalds leads Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings in a proposed matchup by seven points, 43%-36%.
The survey shows Republican incumbent GOP U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody with similar leads over two prospective Democratic opponents in her bid for election this November. Moody leads former National Security Council aide Alexander Vindman by 7 points, 45%-38%. She leads Jacksonville state Rep. Angie Nixon by 8 points, 46%-38%.
“At least at this stage in these races, voter choice is much more about partisanship than candidate identity,” said Dr. Sean Freeder, PORL director and professor of political science. “Republicans still enjoy a clear advantage with Florida voters, but it doesn’t yet appear as strong as in previous years, perhaps unsurprising given that the party of the president usually struggles more in midterm elections.”
The poll shows that President Trump is slightly underwater in his adopted home state, with 45% viewing him favorably and 48% unfavorably. Among independent voters, Trump is extremely unpopular: 57% view him unfavorably, with 31% favorable.
Regarding immigration, the Florida electorate is split: 49% of respondents disapproved of the way Trump is handling the issue, while 48% approved.
On the question of building additional immigration detention facilities (which reportedly is being considered in Orlando) 57% expressed opposition and 39% support such facilities.
Ron DeSantis is supported by 52% of the public, with 42% opposing him.
The poll consisted of 786 like Florida midterm voters and was conducted between Feb. 21 and March 2. It has a margin of error of +/- 4.4 percentage points.
@Rosanne-I could care less what the race of a candidate is. Their qualifications and work experience are what matters most. And if they have a criminal history or history of corruption matters to me and Should matter to all voters. Rosanne, you should be ashamed for bringing race into this.
@TONY- I’ll do your research for you, Byron Donalds had a 2020 ethics complaint about undisclosed past arrests (marijuana distribution in 1997, and bribery in 2000) by the Florida's Ethics Commission. Older claims of drug dealing, bank fraud, and false evidence in hearings. Just to name a few.
@ Tony...#1 He is black. #2 He is not white #3 He will not become white even though his wife is white. All FACTS.
-That about sums up why Nick is so adamant that he's the wrong choice. Ammiright, Nick???
Nick, how is he corrupt? Give me 3 examples using FACTS and not opinions.
@David T. Hawkins- Please, Please, for the love of God do not vote for Byron Donalds! Unfortunately Trump is wrong on this pick. He has done nothing for Florida. He is corrupt. DeSantis is backing Jay Collins and I think Collins is the right choice for Florida.
Assuming Republicans show up to vote.
Donalds is who I am Voting for.