Casey DeSantis favored in Florida governor’s race, poll finds
Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis is emerging as a strong contender to succeed her husband, Governor Ron DeSantis, in the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial race, according to a recent poll conducted by the University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab (PORL). The poll surveyed 871 active registered voters across Florida and found that Casey DeSantis was favored by 57% of Republicans, making her the top choice among potential candidates.
Dr. Michael Binder, the faculty director of PORL and a professor of political science, noted that Casey DeSantis had significantly increased her popularity since the previous poll in 2023, where she garnered only 22% support. Her favorable rating among all respondents stood at 30%, with 22% unfavorable and 33% who had never heard of her. Binder attributed her high favorability to her role as Florida’s first lady, stating that she likely benefits from her association with Governor DeSantis.
Other potential candidates included in the poll were former Rep. Matt Gaetz, Sen. Ashley Moody, Rep. Byron Donalds, and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. Gaetz, who had a 39% unfavorable rating overall, received more favorable responses from Republican respondents. Moody and Donalds were relatively unknown to most respondents, while Simpson had a split opinion.
Gaetz, who resigned from Congress amidst controversy and allegations of misconduct, faced significant opposition from respondents. Moody, who currently serves as the state attorney general, and Donalds, a strong ally of former President Donald Trump, were viewed more favorably by those familiar with them.
Governor Ron DeSantis has dismissed rumors of his wife’s potential candidacy, stating that her interest in politics is close to zero. He cited the challenges and negativity associated with political campaigns as a deterrent for Casey DeSantis. Despite this, the poll results suggest that she may have a strong chance of succeeding her husband as the Governor of Florida in 2026.
As the gubernatorial race heats up and potential candidates start to gain recognition, it will be interesting to see how Casey DeSantis navigates her political future. With her growing popularity and favorable ratings, she could be a formidable contender in the upcoming election. Stay tuned for more updates on Florida’s political landscape as the 2026 race approaches.
