Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is widely tipped to run for President in 2024, is facing a roadblock in the form of a new poll. The survey shows that some of his policies are deeply unpopular with the American public, potentially damaging his chances in the upcoming presidential race.
The poll, conducted by a reputable research firm, found that a majority of Americans are opposed to policies that DeSantis has championed throughout his time as governor of Florida. Here are some of the main findings:
1. COVID Handling: DeSantis has been a vocal opponent of lockdowns and mask mandates throughout the pandemic. However, the poll found that a majority of Americans believe that stricter measures should have been implemented in the early stages of the crisis. Many also believe that DeSantis’ approach has been reckless and has helped to spread the virus.
2. Voting Rights: DeSantis has pushed through legislation that makes it harder for people to vote in Florida, including restrictions on mail-in ballots and limitations on ballot drop boxes. However, the poll found that a majority of Americans believe that these policies are unjust and could disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
3. Climate Change: DeSantis has been criticized for his lack of action on climate change, including his decision to open up Florida’s coastlines for oil and gas drilling. The poll found that a majority of Americans support stronger measures to mitigate the effects of climate change, such as investing in renewable energy sources.
These findings could spell trouble for DeSantis as he prepares to launch his presidential bid. While he remains popular among Republican voters, he will need to win over a broader swath of Americans in order to have a chance at victory.
DeSantis’ team has not yet commented on the poll, but some analysts predict that he may start to moderate his positions in order to appeal to a wider audience. Only time will tell whether this strategy will work, or whether DeSantis will continue to push forth his unpopular policies.