Florida Republicans Fear Democratic Surge as Trump’s Popularity Plummets and Gubernatorial Race Tightens
Florida GOP officials say they are preparing for possible defeats after polls show Democrats gaining ground in the governor’s race and Trump’s approval dropping sharply.
Former congressman Carlos Curbelo said that Florida Republicans are “bracing for the worst” after polling indicates the traditionally red state could become competitive for Democrats in key races. A YouGov survey shows President Donald Trump’s approval in Florida has fallen from 50 percent to 33 percent amid the Iran war and high gas prices, prompting GOP candidates to temper overt Trump references. Decision Desk HQ and the Cook Political Report recently reclassified the governor’s race between Trump-backed Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly from solidly Republican to a toss-up.
State Sen. Don Gaetz warned any candidate facing a Democratic opponent should be concerned, and Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar aired a harsh ad criticizing Trump’s migrant policy. Despite the gloom, Curbelo still expects Republicans to retain the governor’s mansion, though the contest is now far tighter than anticipated.
Why it matters
A tighter Florida race could shift state power and influence national political balances.
How this story developed
- Sep 15 Mike Rogers skips Fox Two debate, cites moderator bias against rival
- Sep 15 Senators Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters will ask their Democratic colleagues to provide financial help and rally behind nominee Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s pivotal Senate contest.
- Sep 22 Senate Democrats publicly unified behind Abdul el Sayed.
- Sep 23 A new poll of likely voters was released.
In this story
Related stories
24 in this thread