Sen. Bill Nelson, Gov. Rick Scott Locked In Tight Race For Senate: UNF Poll

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Democratic incumbent Sen. Bill Nelson holds a one-point lead over the popular Republican Gov. Rick Scott in the 2018 race for one of Florida's seats in the U.S. Senate, according to a poll released Tuesday from the University of North Florida.

Nelson won 37 percent of the state's support while Scott claimed 36 percent — with a full 20 percent unsure of which way they'll lean.

“Like most statewide races in Florida, the senate race between Nelson and Scott is going to be too close to call all the way until Election Day,” said Michael Binder, faculty director of the Public Opinion Research Lab at UNF.

Scott benefits from widespread approval in the state. Support for the governor stands at 59 percent in the state, with 82 percent of Republicans viewing his work favorably and 40 percent of Democrats agreeing.

Nelson, on the other hand, is more of an unknown quantity.

Only 35 percent say they approve of his work in the Senate, while 15 percent disapprove. Almost half of the respondents — 49 percent — don't have an opinion at all on his job performance.

“The one major concern for Democrats has to be the public’s lack of awareness of Nelson," Binder said. "When a three-term sitting U.S. senator has almost half of the sample unable to assess his job approval, you have a problem.”

One other huge variable in the race: President Trump.

Trump has a 37 percent approval rating in Florida with 59 percent of voters disapproving. Unsurprisingly, Trump does worse among Democrats and independents and fares considerably better with Republicans.

“Donald Trump is just as divisive in Florida as he is across the rest of the country," said Binder.

Trump's public standing could affect Florida voters who are wavering between Scott and Nelson when they head to the polls in 2018 — and it could also affect turnout on either side.

Read the full poll results>>

Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images