ST. LEO, FL -- A new survey finds even higher percentages of Floridians supporting Governor Ron DeSantis than was the case six months ago.
St. Leo University, a Catholic college based in Pasco County near Tampa, surveyed 500 Floridians from February 28th to March 12th. At that time, the governor was denouncing lockdowns, mandates and other requirements he labeled as "COVID theater." It was before he dived into the transgender swimming controversy or signed the Parental Rights in Education bill, labeled "Don't Say Gay" by its critics. The St. Leo poll found the governor's job approval rating at 58.8 percent, a couple of points above what St. Leo pollsters found last fall.
The poll also finds DeSantis handily leading the three main candidates hoping to win the Democratic nomination: 48.6 to 29.6 versus Senator Annette Taddeo; 49.2 to 32.8 versus congressman and former governor Charlie Crist. and 50.6 to 27 percent versus Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried.
St. Leo also asked about the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, and found President Trump with 64 percent support and Governor DeSantis with 55 pecent support among Republicans (voters were not asked to pick one above the other). In a matchup without Trump, DeSantis drew nearly two-thirds support.
The poll also finds Senator Marco Rubio leading Orlando congresswoman Val Demings 45 to 27 percent in the likely U.S. Senate matchup.
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