Overview

• Despite Governor Ron DeSantis' claims of strong support in Florida, recent polls show former President Donald Trump leading the Republican primary race in the state with 60% support among likely voters, compared to DeSantis' 21%.
• DeSantis' campaign disputes the polls, maintaining that the primary is a two-man race between Trump and DeSantis, and that DeSantis is the only candidate who could beat Trump.
• Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley's pragmatic approach to abortion, calling for consensus rather than a federal ban, has resonated with some GOP voters and commentators, but could alienate evangelical voters.
• Haley's stance on abortion could potentially provide a new way for the GOP to discuss and campaign on the issue, which has been a challenge for the party since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022.
• Despite her pragmatic approach to abortion, Haley still trails behind Trump and DeSantis in the polls, with a RealClearPolitics poll average showing Trump at 58.5%, DeSantis at 14.4%, and Haley at 9%.