Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has opened a yawning lead over his Democratic rival with just three weeks to go before the Florida gubernatorial election, according to a new poll.
DeSantis, who is seeking a second term, held an 11 point lead over Charlie Crist, the poll from Florida Atlantic University’s Business and Economics Polling Initiative found.
The incumbent enjoyed a 53% approval rating, while 63% of respondents said they approved of DeSantis’ handling of the deadly Hurricane Ian.
Crist, a former GOP governor, is now seeking election as a Democrat.
“The governor’s hurricane response received strong approval among Floridians, who most likely favor him in the upcoming gubernatorial race,” said Monica Escaleras, Ph.D., director of FAU BEPI in a news release Friday.
The biggest concern among Floridians was inflation, with 36% saying it was their top issue, while another 19% cited threats to democracy as their biggest concern. Just 9% of those polled said abortion access was their most pressing issue, according to the poll.
The survey also showed DeSantis leading President Biden 48% to 42% in a hypothetical 2024 match-up. Former President Trump also tops Biden 45% to 41% in a potential matchup.
Florida Senator Marco Rubio held a smaller but still comfortable advantage over his Democratic rival Rep. Val Demings, leading her 48% to 42%, the poll found.