The poll revealed a large majority of Florida’s Republican electorate identifies as MAGA Republicans, with 63 percent of respondents indicating their support for the movement. Former President Donald Trump also remains extraordinarily popular among the voters, with 82 percent of respondents viewing him favorably.
Gaetz also commands the highest name recognition, flexing a broad appeal that spans demographics, securing the highest percentage of male and female votes, and winning all age groups except for voters aged 65 and above.
A poll conducted by the University of North Florida (UNF) in November suggested Casey DeSantis, the state’s first lady and wife of Governor Ron DeSantis, was the early favorite to replace her husband when his term expires in 2026. The data from UNF emerged after the 2023-2024 Florida budget, approved by DeSantis, allocated over $30 million in new funding to UNF.