DeSantis Favorability at an All-Time Low

Ron DeSantis's popularity among registered voters has hit a significant low, new survey data reveals.

The Florida Governor's net favorability, a measure of his public image, has fallen to a point that has never before been recorded in the political history of the state.

The Civiqs survey was conducted amongst registered voters in Florida. According to Breitbart News, the respondents were asked about their perception of DeSantis, who declared his intentions to run for the presidency in May.  A majority of 57 percent view DeSantis unfavorably. Conversely, only 33 percent have a favorable view of the governor. These figures correspond to a net favorability rating of -24, a record low in the history of the Civiqs survey.

Comparison With Previous Data Reflects DeSantis’s Declining Popularity

To understand this development better, it is useful to compare it with past survey results. On Election Day 2022, DeSantis's unfavorable rating was lower, standing at 48 percent. In contrast, his favorability rating was slightly higher, at 46 percent.

There was a brief moment of respite for DeSantis in December 2022. The gap between his favorable and unfavorable ratings narrowed to just one point. However, this positive trend did not continue, with the gap growing consistently from January onwards.

On May 24, 2023, the day of DeSantis's campaign launch, the survey showed an unfavorable rating of 55 percent. His favorable rating was marginally higher at 36 percent. This difference resulted in a net favorability rating of -19 percent.

Republicans and Independents Differ in their Views

Interestingly, the survey also captured the difference in views among Republicans and independents. Seventy percent of the surveyed Republicans held a favorable view of DeSantis.

This is starkly contrasted by the 15 percent who view him unfavorably, and an additional 15 percent who remain unsure about their stance.

On the other hand, independent voters were less supportive of DeSantis. The majority, 56 percent, have an unfavorable view of the presidential hopeful. Only 31 percent view him favorably.

DeSantis Struggles in National and State-level Surveys

These findings provide a backdrop for understanding DeSantis's challenges in other surveys as well. The governor is facing an uphill battle to gain ground on former President Donald Trump in national and state-level surveys.

This struggle is reflected in this week's Morning Consult poll. The poll showed Trump leading DeSantis by a significant 43 points. DeSantis's rating fell to a disconcerting 16 percent, marking a "weekly tracking low."

This decline in DeSantis's popularity among registered voters is concerning for his campaign. Particularly, as it is also dealing with other issues such as staff layoffs and restructuring efforts.

Campaign Streamlining and Staff Layoffs

Recently, the DeSantis campaign took a decision to streamline operations. This decision led to the layoffs of 38 staff members, a move that was reported in various news outlets.

Generra Peck, DeSantis's campaign manager, made a statement about these changes.

"Following a top-to-bottom review of our organization, we have taken additional, aggressive steps to streamline operations and put Ron DeSantis in the strongest position to win this primary and defeat Joe Biden."

Despite the setbacks, the campaign remains positive about the future. Peck expressed confidence in DeSantis's ability to lead and their readiness to move forward.

 "Gov. DeSantis is going to lead the Great American Comeback, and we’re ready to hit the ground running as we head into an important month of the campaign."

As the campaign progresses, it remains to be seen whether these changes will help improve DeSantis's ratings and favorability amongst voters.

Summarizing Key Developments:

- Ron DeSantis's net favorability has reached a historic low, according to a Civiqs survey among registered voters.
- 57 percent of voters view DeSantis unfavorably, while only 33 percent have a favorable view.
- The gap between favorable and unfavorable views has been growing since January.
- Differences in views are seen between Republicans, with 70 percent viewing DeSantis favorably, and independents, where 56 percent view him unfavorably.
- DeSantis is struggling in national and state-level surveys, with a recent Morning Consult poll showing Trump leading by 43 points.
- The DeSantis campaign has made significant changes, including laying off 38 staff members, to streamline operations.