Casey DeSantis Emerges as Leading Candidate in Florida’s Governor Race, New Poll Reveals

Casey DeSantis Emerges as Leading Candidate in Florida’s Governor Race, New Poll Reveals

Florida’s first lady Casey DeSantis appears to be in a strong position to succeed her husband, Governor Ron DeSantis, in the upcoming gubernatorial election. A recent poll conducted by the University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab has shown her gaining considerable support among likely Republican voters across the state.

The survey, which engaged 871 active registered voters between February 5 and February 14, found that a significant 57% of Republican respondents hold a favorable view of Casey DeSantis. This approval rating surpasses those of other potential candidates for the 2026 gubernatorial race.

Insights from Political Experts

Dr. Michael Binder, the director of the Public Opinion Research Lab and a professor of political science at UNF, highlighted that Casey DeSantis was the most favored early candidate for the Republican primary in late 2023, receiving 22% support at that time. Although this initial support was modest, her current favorability indicates a noteworthy shift in voter sentiment.

Overall, the recent poll results reveal that only 30% of respondents have a favorable opinion of the first lady, while 22% view her unfavorably. An additional 33% claimed they had never heard of her, pointing to a significant opportunity for Casey DeSantis to boost her profile ahead of the election.

Voter Perceptions and Recognition

Dr. Binder suggested that some of Casey DeSantis’s popularity may stem from her role as Florida’s first lady, stating, “She likely enjoys some favorability by association as Florida’s first lady.” However, he emphasized that many potential candidates lack recognition among voters, which could be a critical factor in shaping the race as it approaches the primaries.

Looking ahead, Binder asserted, “I expect we’ll see a few of them become household names by the time the August 2026 primary rolls around.” This underscores the importance of visibility and engagement for candidates hoping to secure their place in the election.

Other Candidates in the Running

The poll also gauged opinions on several other speculative candidates for the governorship, including former Rep. Matt Gaetz, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, Rep. Byron Donalds, and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson.

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, despite his efforts to remain in the political spotlight, faces challenges with a 39% unfavorable rating among all respondents. While he garnered 18% approval overall, Republican respondents showed slightly more support for Gaetz, with 33% rating him favorably.

Gaetz’s political career faced significant controversy last year when he abruptly resigned from Congress after being considered for the role of Attorney General under former President Donald Trump. His resignation came amid an investigation by the House Ethics Committee examining allegations related to illicit drug use and sexual misconduct, all of which he has denied. This tumultuous backdrop could impact his chances in the upcoming race.

Voter Familiarity with Other Candidates

Survey data indicated that many voters are unfamiliar with other potential nominees. A striking 54% of respondents reported never hearing of Ashley Moody, while 66% had not heard of Byron Donalds. Wilton Simpson, too, suffers from recognition issues, with 79% of voters stating they are not familiar with him.

Among those who are aware of these candidates, the responses are mixed. Ashley Moody and Byron Donalds have more favorable ratings than unfavorable ones, while Simpson’s results were balanced with just 4% identifying him favorably or unfavorably.

Moody, who previously served as Florida’s Attorney General, was appointed in January to fill the US Senate seat left vacant by Marco Rubio after he took on a role in the State Department. Donalds has been an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump, who praised the lawmaker’s potential during various events in Washington.

Governor Ron DeSantis’s Position

Currently, Governor Ron DeSantis has publicly dismissed speculations regarding his wife’s interest in pursuing a political career. In a press conference back in May, he remarked, “If I had to characterize her interest in getting into the political thicket as a candidate, I would say, I would characterize it as zero. But, you know, I think it’s because she has had a front-row seat on all the nonsense that goes on when you do it.”

This statement adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing discussion about Casey DeSantis’s political ambitions and the dynamics within their household. Despite her husband’s assertion, her rising popularity suggests that voters may be more open to considering her as a serious contender.

The Road Ahead

The political landscape in Florida is undoubtedly evolving, with Casey DeSantis at the forefront of speculation for the 2026 gubernatorial race. As she begins to build her profile and engage with voters, her ability to connect and resonate with constituents will be pivotal to her success. The upcoming months will likely bring heightened scrutiny and opportunities for all candidates as they seek to establish their presence ahead of the primaries.