New Poll Shows Support DeSantis in the Gutter before First Primary Debate

Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, began a much publicized campaign “reboot” last month in an effort to revive his faltering quest for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.

However, according to a recent Yahoo News/YouGov poll, it hasn’t worked.

DeSantis’s popularity among potential GOP primary voters has fallen farther over the last few weeks than ever before, falling from his previous low of 23% in mid-July to only 12% now, according to a survey of 1,665 U.S. adults conducted from August 17 to 21.

In the end, this shift is caused by shifting attitudes against DeSantis rather than shifting attitudes toward Trump.

The former president’s overall personal rating among potential Republican primary voters is currently 75% favorable to 23% unfavorable, roughly matching the score from last month (76% favorable to 22% unfavorable).

DeSantis’ approval rating, however, has decreased by 4 points over that time, from 71% to 67%, while his unfavorable rating has increased by 5 points, from 17% to 22%.

The timing of DeSantis’s free fall could not be more crucial. The first Republican primary discussion for 2024 will take place on Wednesday in Milwaukee.

Eight second-tier contenders, including DeSantis and all of the Trump alternatives previously listed, as well as former governors of Arkansas and North Dakota, Doug Burgum and Asa Hutchinson, will participate.

In his first debate, DeSantis will have the opportunity to reaffirm his position as the leading Republican Trump contender, or, if he falters, to confirm the perception that his time has passed.