A.G. Gancarski
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was introduced at a rally earlier this month as “America’s most popular Governor.”
But surveys say that may not be the case.
The latest polling on the subject, via Florida Atlantic University’s Business and Economics Polling Initiative (FAU BEPI), shows DeSantis is actually underwater, with more respondents disapproving than approving of the first-term Republican.
The survey of 937 likely voters, conducted Oct. 24 and 25, shows the Governor at -4 favorability over all.
While 46% of respondents disapproved of DeSantis, just 42% approved of his job performance overall.
While this is bleak, it represents something of an improvement for the Governor.
A survey earlier this month from the same group pegged DeSantis with a -5 approval rating (43% approval, 48% disapproval.)
That represented a 5-point drop from the previous month and a precipitous decline from the gaudy +19 he had with FAU in May.
The survey reflected the 2016 voter rolls in terms of composition. DeSantis, for what it’s worth, was elected in 2018.
Nonetheless, for the Governor, the latest FAU survey is yet another data point in a set showing that Floridians have soured on DeSantis since the advent of the coronavirus crisis this spring, a phenomenon that has challenged the state’s economy and safety net.
A series of polls this summer from CNBC/Change Research showed DeSantis underwater in terms of COVID-19 response.
A Marist poll was somewhat more favorable, meanwhile, showing the Governor treading water with voters, with 44% approving and 44% disapproving of DeSantis.
A July poll from Mason-Dixon likewise was unkind to the Governor, showing him -4 overall, with 45% approval to 49% disapproval.
That survey reflected another big drop for DeSantis.
In a December 2019 survey from the same group, the Governor stood at a gaudy +40 favorability, with 66% approving of DeSantis’ job performance at the end of his first year, and just 26% disapproving.
Democrats, including Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, are eyeing a run against DeSantis in 2022. There’s nothing in the FAU poll, or any other recent survey, that would appear to change their minds.
9 comments
S.B. ANTHONY
October 27, 2020 at 11:38 am
The worst of the worst. He lives up trump’s behind.
James Robert Miles
October 27, 2020 at 1:24 pm
DeSatan is the worst governor that Florida has ever had!!
Sonja Fitch
October 27, 2020 at 3:22 pm
Desantis has tied himself to the goptrump death cult leader Trump! It is embarrassing to watch Desantis and Gaetz at his super spreader Nazi herd immunity rallies! Vote Democrat up and down ballot for the common good !
Ray Blacklidge
October 27, 2020 at 3:48 pm
Wow what hateful comments. You Democrats have lost your fricking minds. These polls are useless.
KC
October 27, 2020 at 7:22 pm
I regret voting for him. Never again.
James Robert Miles
October 27, 2020 at 8:41 pm
@Blackridge; Sanctimonious much? Look to your leader Trump for all the hateful comments you will ever hear! Trump has spewed more hate than ANYBODY!! Trump owns hate!
Nicky Whelan
October 27, 2020 at 9:14 pm
Florida seems to have a number of not-so-popular Republicans in office at the moment. I hope when Sen. Scott & Sen. Rubio as well as DeSantis are ready to run once we all remember this and vote all of them out! – – – – -This year it seems as though the Republicans can’t win if they don’t cheat and Democrats can’t win if they don’t vote! – – -GO VOTE!- – –
Ocean Joe
October 28, 2020 at 11:27 am
As long as he has 100% approval from Trump, Desantis doesn’t care what Florida voters think.
What will he do when Donald is gonald?
Kathleen Holmes
October 28, 2020 at 11:31 am
I’m born and raised in Florida. I am hypersensitive with this politically motivated Governor who insist throwing our children to a viral wall. Who supports the cane industry. Allows environmental assaults to our fragile Everglades. It’s obvious he’s a loose cannon concerning the Coronavirus leaving Floridians exposed by prematurely opening bars and restaurants. Allowing the beaches open during college break. The toll road to no where disregarding the environmental sensitivity. In my eyes he is a true disaster for my beloved State of Florida.
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