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FLORIDA - A recent University of North Florida poll shows First Lady Casey DeSantis leading U.S. Representative Byron Donalds by 3 percentage points in the early race for Florida governor.
If the election were held today, 32% of registered Republican voters would choose DeSantis, while 29% would back Donalds.
However, the race may be closer than it seems.
Donalds, who represents parts of Collier and Lee counties, has a 15-point advantage among those who voted in the last Republican primary.
According to Mike Binder, the pollster for the University of North Florida, this group is likely to form a significant part of the voting bloc in next year’s election.
Binder suggests that this could give Donalds a strong foundation heading into the race.
Despite his competitive position among primary voters, Donalds still faces a challenge with name recognition.
Around 40% of Republican voters say they have never heard of him, which could impact his ability to gain broader support.
The poll also sheds light on key issues driving Republican voters.
Property insurance is the top concern, followed by housing costs and immigration.
A majority of respondents approve of Florida’s immigration enforcement efforts, including the controversial Everglades detention center, often referred to as "Alligator Alcatraz."
As the race progresses, it will be crucial to watch how these factors, name recognition, voter loyalty, and key policy issues, shape the outcome of this closely contested battle for Florida’s next governor.