Rick Scott Hits Record High Approval as Florida's Political Scene Shifts

Naples, Florida, USA - U.S. Senator Rick Scott appears to be riding a wave of popularity, achieving a 50% approval rating—the highest he’s seen since the second quarter of 2020. This surge in support comes amid a landscape where his unfavorable ratings have remarkably dipped to 37%, marking his best performance since late 2019. With a net approval rating of +13, Scott is basking in his strongest numbers since quarterly polling commenced, according to FloridaPolitics.com.

Scott’s recent success at the polls is perhaps less surprising when considering that he won re-election last year with over 55% of the vote. However, his standing is notably overshadowed by that of Ashley Moody, Florida’s Attorney General, who is gearing up for her inaugural Senate campaign next year. Moody holds a 43% approval rating against a 24% disapproval rate, suggesting that she has a solid base to work from as the Democratic nominee remains undecided.

The Race Ahead

While Scott enjoys renewed favor, it’s important to recognize the competitive landscape shaping up for the upcoming elections. With Ashley Moody’s cash reserves exceeding $2.6 million at the end of June, she’s positioned herself as a formidable contender. Since she garnered over 60% of the vote in her 2022 re-election campaign, her experience in securing votes cannot be underestimated. The set-up for the next election could be quite dynamic, especially considering the uncertainties surrounding the Democratic candidate.

Meanwhile, Governor Ron DeSantis holds a 55% approval rating, underscoring the generally favorable view of Republican leadership in Florida. Despite being rated as the tenth least popular governor in the U.S., his +16 net approval rating is his best since the last quarter of 2022. He proves more popular than governors from states such as New York and California, which is worth noting as this could influence Scott and Moody’s strategies moving forward.

Political Climate in Context

As we consider the broader political climate in the state, it’s essential to note national trends as well. In the lead-up to the 2026 elections, independent candidates align variously with the Democratic caucus, creating colorful dynamics on interactive maps where political leanings can be visualized. The Cook Political Report highlights that while states like Maine and Vermont feature independent incumbents, others are showcasing unaffiliated candidates, complicating traditional party lines 270towin.com.

Tracking senator approval ratings provides additional insights into how public opinion is shifting. According to Morning Consult, their surveys capture this behavior through high-frequency data, revealing margins of error that vary by state. The methodology used is meticulous, encompassing sampling and representativeness—a reminder of the intricate landscape candidates like Scott and Moody must navigate.

As Florida gears up for a kettle of political clashes, with Scott and Moody at the forefront, one thing’s for sure: the next few months will be pivotal. How each candidate capitalizes on their strengths and navigates their challenges will determine not just their respective futures, but also the broader political narrative in the Sunshine State.