“Adam who?” That’s what you may hear replaying in your mind when you think about this story. A new poll from the University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab shows a substantial lack of name recognition among the candidates for Governor in Florida. Between 73 and 81 percent of registered voters have never heard of Democrats Andrew Gillum, Gwen Graham or Phillip Levine. Gillum is Tallahassee’s mayor, while Levine is the former mayor of Miami Beach. Graham is a former U.S. Representative and the daughter of former Governor Bob Graham. But the biggest surprise comes from the Republican side, where 67 to 78 percent of voters have never heard of candidates Ron DeSantis, a U.S. Congressman and Adam Putnam, Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner. Putnam has won two statewide races by an overwhelming percent and yet even his name recognition is low among registered voters in Florida.
Here’s more on this poll:
The six candidates running for the governor’s seat in Florida might have to do a bit more branding, according to a recent poll by the University of North Florida.
The university’s Pubic Opinion Research Lab found an overwhelming lack of name recognition for both Democratic and Republican candidates in the gubernatorial race, including U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis (R-Palm Coast) whose 6th congressional district includes part of St. Johns County.
More than 600 registered voters across the state took part in the phone survey which asked for their opinions about the candidates as well as issues facing the state.
Despite an endorsement by President Donald Trump, DeSantis’ name was not recognized by 72 percent of those polled. Fellow Republicans didn’t fare any better, with 78 percent having never heard of Richard Corcoran and 67 percent not familiar with Adam Putnam.