Florida

Gov. Rick Scott Holds Slight Lead in Senate Race Over Incumbent Bill Nelson in Latest Poll

What to Know

  • According to the Mason-Dixon Poll released Tuesday morning, 47 percent of those surveyed said they would vote for the Republican candidate.
  • The difference is within the four percent margin of error with nine percent of voters surveyed saying they are undecided.

Ahead of their much anticipated battle this November for one of Florida’s seats in the United State Senate, the latest statewide poll shows Gov. Rick Scott holding a slight lead over incumbent Sen. Bill Nelson.

According to the Mason-Dixon Poll released Tuesday morning, 47 percent of those surveyed said they would vote for the Republican candidate – who is term limited from running again for governor – if the election were held today with 44 percent supporting Nelson, the Democrat who is seeking a fourth term.

The difference is within the four percent margin of error with nine percent of voters surveyed saying they are undecided – essentially keeping the race as a toss-up heading into Election Day.

Scott maintained a 44 percent favorability rating among the 625 people surveyed – along with a 33 percent unfavorable result – while Nelson received favorable numbers from 36 percent of those surveyed to go along with a 31 percent unfavorable rating.

Nelson has leads over Scott in several parts of the state and with certain groups – including a 26 percent lead in Southeast Florida, including Miami-Dade and Broward, along with double digit leads among voters in the Tampa Bay area, voters under 35 years of age, women and African Americans to go with a slight lead among Hispanic voters.

At the same time, Scott holds commanding leads in the north, central and southwest parts of the state along with big leads among men, white voters, those over the age of 50 as well as a slight lead among voters classified as independent.

Scott is not expected to attend a rally in Tampa on Tuesday with President Donald Trump, who has a 43 percent favorable and 46 percent unfavorable rating in the state according to the survey.

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