'Very wide margin' separates Ron DeSantis from Charlie Crist, Nikki Fried in new poll

A 'muddled' picture emerges for the Democratic Primary.

New polling from the University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab shows Gov. Ron DeSantis well ahead of his potential Democratic gubernatorial opponents.

Matched up against both Rep. Charlie Crist and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, DeSantis was the choice of 55% of 685 registered voters polled between Feb. 7 and Feb. 20.

Crist mustered 34% support against DeSantis, with Fried drawing just 32% backing.

“We’re seeing a very wide margin for DeSantis against both top Democratic candidates — Crist and Fried,” said Michael Binder, PORL faculty director and professor of political science. “A lot of Democratic voters still don’t know who they would vote for, so I would expect that lead to narrow between now and November.”

At least in this poll, a “lot of Democratic voters” chose DeSantis over either potential nominee. The survey showed 24% of Democrats picked the Governor over Crist, while 22% liked DeSantis over Fried.

That crossover support came along with strong pull with non-party affiliated voters for DeSantis also. Against either Fried or Crist, DeSantis was the choice of 54% of those independents.

DeSantis was above 50% against both candidates with both men and women. While he was not over 50% among all age groups, DeSantis nonetheless led both Fried and Crist among all of them.

The UNF poll also surveyed the Democratic Primary, finding somewhat muddled results.

Crist was atop the field, with 27% support. Fried was second at 19%. Meanwhile, state Sen. Annette Taddeo was the choice of just 4% of those surveyed, putting her in a tie with David Nelson Freeman.

A full 38% of respondents didn’t know which candidate they preferred.

“Crist has eight points on Fried in the (Democratic) Primary, but we still have 38% of registered Democrats in this survey who are undecided,” said Binder. “These folks likely won’t make up their minds for a while, so this will be a pretty muddled picture until later in the summer.”

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9 comments

Tom
February 24, 2022 at 5:44 am

LMAO.
Dems are done in Florida. Just like in Jacksonville Tuesday, you are seeing a major abandonment and drop off in Dem base support. The fact that 24% support America’s Governor is overwhelming. Biden’s abysmal 37% approval opens up support for Gov Ron. Dems have no chance vs DeSantis and Rubio. America’s Governors policies overwhelms opposition. DeSantis the best!
Ron Ogden
February 24, 2022 at 12:40 pm

Defund the police, CRT, draggers in grades schools: Dems, you’ve got nobody to blame but yourselves. For the sake of your party’s future, you should just sit this one out and get ready for 2024.
Martucci
February 24, 2022 at 1:25 pm

Val has given up trying to find her stolen service weapon.
Cosmic Valet
February 24, 2022 at 4:47 pm

Florida deserves DeSatan. Take that as you will.
Bob
February 24, 2022 at 6:09 pm

Yea, you republicans keep believing the polls you got a rule awaking when trump lost the same thing that going to happen to DeSantis dems will show up!
- aggie
  February 25, 2022 at 3:52 pm
  
  well..the crooked results of the presidential election gave America a Dementia man as president who invites illegal aliens to America and asks YOU to support them. One who can’t even find or tie his shoes. LOL.
- Tom
  February 25, 2022 at 8:09 pm
  
  Moron Bob, liberal bubble head.
  Your POTUS had destroyed everything
  36% approval in Florida.
  DeSantis is 58%, probably plus 60%.
  The Dems party is done.
  Extrapolate the Virginia Govs race across the country. 60 net House seats, enjoy liberal Manchurian bubble,
Sherri
February 25, 2022 at 1:09 am

We as Floridians ARE SICK OF THE GOVERNOR NOT ALLOWING FLORIDA TO GET STIMULUS PAYMENTS, including SS SSD SSI ADULT NO CHILDREN! We value teachers but…… THE OLDER CITIZENS MADE FL A RETIREMENT STATE- NOT YOU! Now you turn your nose up to helping us? Giving teachers more is enough. They get a pay raise! School funding. People over 50 NOTHING! You wanted your own malita?😳. YOU see struggles in life situations in your home! How do you think we feel? Hazard pay for people who kept working through pandemic NEED A STIMULUS OR THEY (Publix) could of not worked. Masked up! Finally 7 days ago unmasked! If you didn’t you got fired! SUCH GREED. GET FLORIDA ON HELP
Dutch
February 25, 2022 at 7:44 pm

It’s surprising since Charlie Crist is a republican. ….. oh wait, he’s an independent. …… no, he’s a democrat…. maybe? ….. what is he this week?