Poll: DeSantis, Gillum in Dead Heat in Fla. Governor's Race

Former Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., is essentially tied with Democrat Andrew Gillum in the race for Florida governor, a survey by Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy reveals.

Forty-five percent of likely voters back Gillum, while 44 percent favor DeSantis. The survey’s margin of error is 3.5 percentage points.

Here is how the survey breaks down:

• 39 percent have a favorable opinion of DeSantis, compared to 34 percent who have an unfavorable view of him.
• 43 percent have a favorable view of Gillum, while 26 percent have an unfavorable opinion of him.
• 53 percent of men support DeSantis, compared to 37 percent who back Gillum.
• 51 percent of women back Gillum, while 38 percent support DeSantis.

The poll, which surveyed 815 Floridians, was conducted Sept. 24-27 and the height of the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, Politico noted.

“Monday through Thursday, there were lots of Kavanaugh fireworks,” said Mason-Dixon pollster Brad Coker. “If you take the other polls, it could suggest Republicans might be more fired up than Democrats.”

• Q-Poll: Gillum Has 9-Point Lead Over DeSantis Fla. Gov. Race
• NBC Poll: Dems Ahead in Key Fla. Races for Senate, Governor