Florida Gubernatorial Race: Oddsmakers have Ron DeSantis in a Landslide

Florida Gubernatorial Race: Oddsmakers have Ron DeSantis in a Landslide

Ron DeSantis is one of the most popular members of his party nationally. There’s been a lot of talk about him potentially running for President in 2024, and being the potential favorite to win the GOP nomination if he does. First, he has to win reelection in his home state of Florida. Oddsmakers don’t think that’ll be a problem.

DeSantis is given -750 odds, or an implied 88.2% chance to win reelection. His biggest competition is former Governor Charlie Crist, given +900 odds or an implied 10% chance to regain his seat, this time as a Democrat.

Of course, Florida has drifted more and more to the right with each passing election. Since 2000, Florida hasn’t had a Democrat as governor since Buddy MacKay. Bill Nelson is the last Democrat to win in the Senate, winning his last term in 2012. So, even if the state is considered a battleground state, it’s a very tough place for Democrats to win.

This is a tough one. DeSantis is such a nationally important figure for the GOP, he’s often been hailed as one of the most popular governors in the country. His handling of his state has made him a darling in his party. However, his biggest competition is a former Republican governor of the state.

With an opponent so well known locally as a strong moderate, Crist is a troublesome opponent. Remember, DeSantis only won the seat by about 30,000 votes in 2018. With a more moderate and well-known candidate in Crist, is it really impossible for him to draw in the independents who don’t like how conservative DeSantis has been? Oddsmakers think so, but logic seems to dictate that Crist has a shot.

Florida Gubernatorial Election Odds