DSCC FL - Polling Memo
DSCC FL - Polling Memo
DSCC FL - Polling Memo
New research conducted by Global Strategy Group finds that Rick Scott is a uniquely weak incumbent.
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is very well-positioned to take him on next year, particularly if turnout is
consistent with where it historically has been in Florida presidential elections.
Key Findings
Rick Scott’s personal image has declined and is now underwater. Scott’s image is net-negative, with
48% of voters viewing him unfavorably and only 40% viewing him favorably. Among key voters who are
not registered with either major party, he’s underwater by a net 16 points (48% unfavorable, 32%
favorable). This represents a substantial drop from two years ago, when his image was level at 46%
favorable, 46% unfavorable. It’s also significantly weaker than Marco Rubio was at this point last cycle
(47% favorable, 46% unfavorable).
Moreover, Scott has lost the trust of Floridians across a host of issues and personal traits. Voters
don’t trust Scott to handle several important issues, including housing and property insurance (48%
don’t trust, 33% trust); Social Security and Medicare (48% don’t trust, 36% trust); and the cost of living
(48% don’t trust, 36% trust). They also don’t trust him to be honest and ethical (48% don’t trust, 37%
trust) nor to do the right thing (45% don’t trust, 37% trust).
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell’s profile is highly appealing to Florida voters across party lines. Mucarsel-
Powell’s profile is rated as appealing by 70% of voters statewide, compared to only 61% who say the
same for Scott’s bio. Among unaffiliated voters, 68% find Mucarsel-Powell’s bio appealing (39% very
appealing), while 59% find Scott’s bio appealing (30% very appealing). Her profile also is significantly
more appealing among the state’s Latino voters (79% total appealing/61% very appealing for Mucarsel-
Powell; 62% total appealing/45% very appealing for Scott). Moreover, more than half (54%) of
Republicans say that Mucarsel-Powell’s background and accomplishments appeal to them.