DeSantis's Job Approval Ratings Fluctuate; Far More Men Than Women Support His Performance

Florida Phoenix

October 5, 2022

Florida women voters show that only 46 percent of females approve Gov. Ron DeSantis’ job performance, according to Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy. Meanwhile, 64 percent of men supported the governor’s performance, based on the poll published Wednesday.

How that gender data will play out at the ballot box could have major impacts — or not. But Florida already faces policy issues such as the state’s 15-week abortion ban, school board races that usually have female members and have been criticized and attacked and parental rights pushed by conservative groups for Moms for Liberty.

That said, the policy issues were not in the Mason-Dixon poll on Wednesday. It focused on the governor’s race, Cabinet races and discussions about the governor’s performance.

Republican candidates in various races across Florida are leading their Democratic opponents, including three statewide Cabinet offices and the gubernatorial election in 2022, according to the public opinion survey.

DeSantis, a Republican seeking reelection, had an 11-point lead over Democrat Charlie Crist in the race for governor in November, according to the survey. Crist is a former GOP governor, Attorney General and Education Commissioner prior to becoming a Democrat.

The poll surveyed 800 registered voters in various counties, who were asked which candidate they would vote for “if the 2022 election for governor were held today.” Of those surveyed, DeSantis received 52 percent in support of his reelection, while Crist had 41 percent.

However, DeSantis’ approval ratings in Florida have fluctuated over the years, the poll found. For instance, in March of 2019, 62 percent of Florida voters approved of his job performance, compared to 55 percent in the latest poll in September of 2022. In February of 2022, 53 percent of Floridians in the survey said they approve of his job performance.

But in July 2020, during the global COVID-19 pandemic, DeSantis received a lower, 45 percent approval rating,

As to the 55 percent figure, “This is a slight improvement since earlier in the year. It will be important to see if he can maintain or improve it in the coming weeks, as his leadership will be tested by state attempts to repair and recover from the damage inflicted by Hurricane Ian,” the pollsters wrote.

Other Republicans running statewide hold double-digit leads over Democrats, with the general election almost a month away, according to the poll.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody leads Democratic challenger Aramis Ayala, with 50 percent of voters in support of Moody and 37 percent in support of Ayala.

For the state’s chief financial officer, Republican incumbent CFO Jimmy Patronis leads Adam Hattersley 47 percent to 37 percent.

“In the Agriculture Commissioner’s race, an open seat vacated by Nikki Fried, Republican Wilton Simpson leads Democrat Naomi Esther Blumer by 47%-34%,” the pollsters wrote.

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