In recent months, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been riding high in the polls, with many political analysts predicting that he could be a serious contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. However, a new poll released this week has shown that DeSantis’s popularity may be starting to wane, with his approval rating dropping significantly among Florida voters.
The poll, conducted by Quinnipiac University, found that just 45% of Florida voters approve of the job DeSantis is doing as governor, while 49% disapprove. This marks a significant drop from Quinnipiac’s last poll in May, which showed DeSantis with a 53% approval rating.
So what’s behind DeSantis’s sudden decline in popularity? There are a few factors at play.
Firstly, DeSantis’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks. Florida has seen a surge in cases and hospitalizations in recent weeks, with many blaming DeSantis’s decision to lift all COVID-19 restrictions earlier this year. The governor has also been criticized for his opposition to mask mandates and vaccine requirements, which many see as contributing to the current surge in cases.
Secondly, DeSantis’s controversial stance on other issues, such as voting rights and immigration, may be turning off some voters. The governor has been a vocal opponent of efforts to expand voting rights in Florida, and has signed a number of controversial immigration bills into law in recent months.
Finally, DeSantis’s close ties to former President Donald Trump may be hurting him with some voters. While Trump remains popular among many Republicans, his divisive rhetoric and controversial policies have turned off many moderate and independent voters, who may be less likely to support a candidate closely associated with the former president.
Of course, it’s still early days in the 2024 presidential race, and DeSantis has plenty of time to turn things around. However, the Quinnipiac poll is a warning sign that the governor’s popularity may not be as solid as many had assumed. If DeSantis wants to win over voters and secure the Republican nomination in 2024, he will need to address some of the concerns that are currently dragging down his approval rating.