Latest news with #CaseyDeSantis
Newsweek
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Casey DeSantis Edges Out Byron Donalds in New Florida Governor Poll
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Florida first lady Casey DeSantis held a narrow lead over Representative Byron Donalds in a new University of North Florida (UNF) poll of the state's 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary. Newsweek reached out to Donalds' campaign and the DeSantis office for comment via email Why It Matters Florida's 2026 gubernatorial race is closely watched, as Governor Ron DeSantis cannot run again due to term limits. Donalds, who has announced his campaign, is viewed as an early frontrunner, having received support from President Donald Trump. But first lady DeSantis' potential candidacy remains a key question ahead of the midterm elections. What To Know Thirty-two percent of respondents said they would vote for DeSantis if she chooses to run, according to the University of North Florida's Public Opinion Research Lab survey of 797 Republican voters from July 14 to July 22. Donalds closely followed with support from 29 percent of Republicans. Former Representative Matt Gaetz had support from 8 percent of respondents, while 2 percent backed Miami Mayor Francis Suarez. Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson had support from 1 percent of respondents. An additional 18 percent said they were not sure who they would vote for in the primary. Florida first lady Casey DeSantis speaks at a campaign event in Council Bluffs, Iowa on January 13, 2024. Florida first lady Casey DeSantis speaks at a campaign event in Council Bluffs, Iowa on January 13, margin of error for the poll was +/- 3.9 percentage points. While DeSantis led in the overall sample, Donalds led among voters who participated in the 2024 GOP primary by 37 percent to 22 percent, according to the poll. A St. Pete Polls survey, conducted July 8 to July 10, 2025, showed Donalds with a lead (35 percent to 27 percent). The poll sampled 831 likely Republican primary voters and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points. A May 2025 poll by the James Madison Institute, a conservative Tallahassee think tank, showed DeSantis with a one-point lead over Donald (29 percent to 28 percent). However, when respondents were informed of Trump's endorsement of Representative Donalds, his support jumped to 44 percent, while DeSantis' fell to 25 percent. That poll surveyed 516 registered voters from May 5 to May 7, 2025, and had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.77 percentage points. On the Democratic side, former Representative David Jolly, who served in Congress as a Republican but has switched parties, has made a formal campaign announcement. Former Senate Democratic leader Jason Pizzo is running as an independent. What People Are Saying Dr. Michael Binder, UNF PORL faculty director and professor of political science, wrote in the polling memo: "Casey DeSantis was an early favorite when we asked about this in fall of 2023 with 22%, ahead of Donalds with 9%, and 40% undecided, but after Trump's endorsement of Donalds and as we get closer to August 2026, DeSantis's lead has all but disappeared, now inside the margin of error for this poll." Donalds on CBN News, according to Florida Politics: "I have the support of President Donald Trump. I have the support of [Florida's GOP] Senator Rick Scott. I have the support of most of the Republican congressional delegation. And we're picking up steam every single day. I've been crisscrossing the state nonstop for the last six weeks, except when I'm here doing my job here in Washington." Casey DeSantis on whether she'll run for governor, in remarks reported by the Florida Phoenix: "We'll see." What Happens Next The Republican primary for Florida governor is scheduled for August 18, 2026. As of July 2025, Byron Donalds is the highest-profile candidate to have officially entered the field. The race between Donalds and DeSantis remains fluid, with candidate announcements, campaign developments, and evolving voter priorities shaping the contest in the months ahead. The Cook Political Report currently classifies the race as being Safe Republican.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Poll: Florida Republicans split between Casey DeSantis, Byron Donalds for governor
A new public poll released on Thursday sends mixed signals to first lady Casey DeSantis should she decide to run for governor in 2026. The poll, conducted by the University of North Florida, shows that she is slightly ahead of U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds among registered Republican voters. Donalds has been endorsed in the race by President Donald Trump and would be her main opposition in a Republican primary. But her lead — 32% support compared to his 29% support — is within the margin of error, meaning the Republican gubernatorial primary could be tied or Donalds could even be slightly ahead among these voters. 'Casey DeSantis was an early favorite when we asked about this in fall of 2023,' Michael Binder, who leads the Public Opinion Research Lab at UNF that did the poll, said in a press release. But after Trump's endorsement of Donalds, her lead 'has all but disappeared.' And among Republicans who voted in last year's primary, Donalds is ahead by 15 points. Further complicating the matter is the Hope Florida Foundation saga, revealed in a Herald/Times investigative series this spring. According to the poll, two-thirds of Florida Republicans are still unaware of the charity that funneled $10 million from a Medicaid settlement to two-dark money groups that then gave similar amounts to a political committee intent on defeating the recreational marijuana amendment on last year's ballot. There's at least one criminal probe into the transfers of money. 'While their lack of knowledge helps Casey DeSantis now, the Donalds campaign and others are sure to campaign on the scandal and, as Republican voters learn more, she's likely to lose some support,' said Dr. Sean Freeder, a UNF professor of political science. Most Republican voters — 57% – said they view the first lady favorably, compared to 43% for Donalds. She has higher name recognition, too. Only 19% of respondents had never heard of her, compared to 40% who had never heard of him. Here are the groups with whom the first lady leads: Women Hispanics and Latinos North and central Florida voters Voters under the age of 65 Here are the groups with whom Donalds leads: Men Voters over the age of 65 South Florida voters Voters from the 2024 Florida Republican primary Former Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz, now a conservative news anchor, had 8% support among respondents. There were still 18% who were undecided.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Poll: Florida Republicans prefer Casey DeSantis for governor over Trump pick U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds
A new poll from the University of North Florida shows Casey DeSantis leading Byron Donalds by a slim margin among Florida Republicans in the 2026 gubernatorial primary race. The poll, conducted by UNF's Public Opinion Research Lab, indicates that if the election were held today, 32percent of registered Republican voters would support Casey DeSantis, while 29 percent would back Byron Donalds. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< This narrow lead highlights the competitive nature of the potential primary matchup, although Casey DeSantis, Gov. Ron DeSantis' wife, has not announced a run for the office.. 'It's important to note that among folks who voted in the last primary, Donalds is 15 points ahead of DeSantis,' said Michael Binder, UNF PORL faculty director and professor of political science. The poll also revealed that Casey DeSantis holds more support among women, Hispanics and Latinos, and voters in north and central Florida. In contrast, Byron Donalds is favored by men, respondents aged 65 and older, and voters in South Florida. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] In addition to the primary race, the survey asked respondents about their views on key issues. Property insurance emerged as the top concern, with 20 percent of respondents citing it as the most important issue facing Florida. Housing costs and immigration followed closely behind. The poll also measured favorability ratings for public figures, with President Donald Trump receiving an 82 percent approval rating among the respondents, indicating his continued influence within the Republican base. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Miami Herald
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Poll: Florida Republicans split between Casey DeSantis, Byron Donalds for governor
A new public poll released on Thursday sends mixed signals to first lady Casey DeSantis should she decide to run for governor in 2026. The poll, conducted by the University of North Florida, shows that she is slightly ahead of U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds among registered Republican voters. Donalds has been endorsed in the race by President Donald Trump and would be her main opposition in a Republican primary. But her lead — 32% support compared to his 29% support — is within the margin of error, meaning the Republican gubernatorial primary could be tied or Donalds could even be slightly ahead among these voters. 'Casey DeSantis was an early favorite when we asked about this in fall of 2023,' Michael Binder, who leads the Public Opinion Research Lab at UNF that did the poll, said in a press release. But after Trump's endorsement of Donalds, her lead 'has all but disappeared.' And among Republicans who voted in last year's primary, Donalds is ahead by 15 points. Further complicating the matter is the Hope Florida Foundation saga, revealed in a Herald/Times investigative series this spring. According to the poll, two-thirds of Florida Republicans are still unaware of the charity that funneled $10 million from a Medicaid settlement to two-dark money groups that then gave similar amounts to a political committee intent on defeating the recreational marijuana amendment on last year's ballot. There's at least one criminal probe into the transfers of money. 'While their lack of knowledge helps Casey DeSantis now, the Donalds campaign and others are sure to campaign on the scandal and, as Republican voters learn more, she's likely to lose some support,' said Dr. Sean Freeder, a UNF professor of political science. Most Republican voters — 57% – said they view the first lady favorably, compared to 43% for Donalds. She has higher name recognition, too. Only 19% of respondents had never heard of her, compared to 40% who had never heard of him. Here are the groups with whom the first lady leads: Women Hispanics and Latinos North and central Florida voters Voters under the age of 65 Here are the groups with whom Donalds leads: MenVoters over the age of 65South Florida votersVoters from the 2024 Florida Republican primary Former Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz, now a conservative news anchor, had 8% support among respondents. There were still 18% who were undecided.
CNN
01-07-2025
- Politics
- CNN
Opening Florida's ‘Alligator Alcatraz' gives DeSantis a chance to boost his ties to Trump
Just months after President Donald Trump's administration quietly moved to undercut a hardline immigration push by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the two former Republican rivals are set to appear side by side on Tuesday for the opening of a new migrant detention center in the Everglades. Trump and DeSantis are expected to tour the compound – nicknamed 'Alligator Alcatraz' – built on a remote airstrip surrounded by swamp and predators. In the latest display of his support for a signature Trump priority, DeSantis used emergency powers to seize the land and fast-track construction with encouragement from the Trump administration. While a White House official described the Trump-DeSantis relationship as 'fine,' DeSantis has faced a strained dynamic ever since he ran for the 2024 Republican nomination, crossing Trump, who believed he was responsible for the governor's rise. The White House for months has moved in ways that effectively isolated DeSantis in his own state, working behind the scenes with Florida lawmakers who refused the governor's demands on immigration. And Trump has elevated other Florida Republicans, inviting them to events in Washington that the governor did not attend. Also expected to attend Tuesday's event: Rep. Byron Donalds, Trump's favored pick to replace the term-limited DeSantis as governor, a not-so-subtle reminder of shifting Republican loyalties in their shared home state. DeSantis, meanwhile, has publicly suggested that his wife, Florida first lady Casey DeSantis, would be a worthwhile successor. The couple have quietly urged the president to scale back his involvement in the race. Trump has since made several high-profile appearances with Donalds. No state moved more aggressively to align itself with Trump's immigration crackdown than Florida. Under a new law signed by DeSantis, local police agencies must cooperate with federal immigration officials – a policy shift that has helped Florida account for nearly 40% of the 737 agreements ICE has signed with local law enforcement departments since Trump took office, according to agency data. Earlier this year, DeSantis' office and ICE announced the arrest of 1,120 undocumented immigrants over a week in what Florida called a 'first-of-its-kind' statewide operation. During a visit with Fox News on Friday, DeSantis described the new Everglades facility as a 'one-stop shop' for detaining, processing and deporting undocumented migrants. When completed, it will hold up to 5,000 beds. 'This is going to be a force multiplier,' DeSantis said, 'and we're happy to work with the federal government to satisfy President Trump's mandate.' Trump's border czar Tom Homan offered DeSantis some praise for his efforts ahead of the visit. 'I mean, Gov. DeSantis, I'll give him credit. We got that facility that he's putting up in Florida. We'll be filling those beds as quick as we can, because we need more beds,' Homan told reporters at the White House. But DeSantis had sought to go further. His office drafted legislation granting him unprecedented authority to deport migrants using state resources, a power traditionally reserved for the federal government. In a rare rejection of the governor's ambitions by Florida's Republican-led legislature, lawmakers declined to cede that power to DeSantis. Instead, they passed their own immigration package – one that notably excluded the deportation provision and was crafted in consultation with the White House, according to House Speaker Daniel Perez. 'We were talking to the White House the entire time,' Perez told CNN on Monday. 'The product that we finalized was the result of input from the House, the Senate, the governor and the White House. Our goal was to best assist the federal government in doing their job. They needed beds. And that's what this bill addressed.' Perez declined to say whom he worked with in the Trump administration. The White House declined to comment. Perez was seen alongside Trump on multiple occasions this year. He attended the White House Easter Egg Roll and later celebrated the Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup victory with the president. DeSantis did not attend either event. As the Republican primary intensified, DeSantis increasingly criticized Trump's first-term immigration record, accusing him of failing to deliver on his central promise to build a border wall and force Mexico pay for it. 'If Trump had built the border wall, it would have been very difficult for (President Joe) Biden to bring in all those many people,' DeSantis said during a CNN town hall ahead of the Iowa caucuses. 'That's why you want a wall. It's a physical fact of life, that even an open-border president would not be able to get around, so I will get the job done.' After Trump defeated DeSantis, the two did not talk for months. Many in Trump's orbit harbor ill feelings toward DeSantis, including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, who once worked for the governor before a bitter falling out. Lately, Trump and DeSantis have maintained a friendly public rapport. They have golfed together and DeSantis has vocally defended Trump during public appearances, reprising the role that first endeared him to the president during his time in Congress. Trump has taken a personal interest in the detention facility that DeSantis has moved rapidly to build, the White House official said. The US Department of Homeland Security has approved the plan to temporarily repurpose the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport for use as a detention center. Another site at the Camp Blanding National Guard training center in northeast Florida is also under consideration, DeSantis spokeswoman Molly Best said in a statement to CNN. The airstrip sits in the middle of the Florida Everglades, an ecosystem dense with alligators, pythons, panthers and marshes that are notoriously difficult to navigate. Its surroundings have captured the immigration of many Republicans, including inside the Trump administration. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested the location will serve as a natural deterrent for people trying to escape. DHS posted an image to social media over the weekend of alligators wearing Immigration and Customs Enforcement hats standing guard outside a prison. 'Coming soon!' a caption said. DeSantis floated the idea of a Trump visit when talking with Fox News on Friday, gesturing toward a runway. 'An invitation from me: We can land Air Force One right there no problem,' he said. 'I think the president would be impressed with what the guys are doing out here.'
