In contrast, former astronaut Bill Nelson received approval ratings in the mid 30’s, which is lower than the 42% ratings he had as recent as February 2017. This is mostly because Nelson has been a highly obscure figure in the Senate – neither outspoken nor controversial – without any major legislative accomplishments.
Still, UNF director of Public Opinion Research Michael Binder claims that Democrats will be facing an uphill battle to get Nelson’s public awareness level up. “When a three-term sitting U.S. senator has almost half of the sample unable to assess his job approval,” he said, “you have a problem.”
This problem may be assuaged by the Democrats’ strong dislike of Republicans, especially President Trump.
In Florida, surveyed voters have a high 59% disapproval of the President, with only 37% approval. Among Democrats, that number soars to 91% disapproval for the President. And, among no-party voters, there’s a 66% disapproval rating for the President.
