The Republican Party has established a formidable lead over Democrats in Florida, with GOP registered voters now outpacing Democrats by nearly 1 million. Recent state elections data show that the GOP’s lead has expanded to 851,417 voters, the largest margin seen in Florida since 1988, when the Democrat Party was dominant. Now, Florida is a foundation of Republican strength nationwide, a situation that can fundamentally alter election strategies for both parties.
GOP Registered Voters Outnumber Dems By Nearly 1 Million In Florida https://t.co/mNaMVQOPno
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) April 7, 2024
“The gap could make Florida an afterthought in this year’s presidential contest,” said Evan Power, chair of the Florida Republican Party. Power expressed confidence in the GOP’s position, stating, “From a presidential standpoint, I think we’ll win pretty big here. But I think it’s clear we’re a firmly red state now.”
Democrats, however, point to a new state law that has moved nearly 1 million voters to inactive status as a factor inflating the GOP’s lead. This law affects voters who have not participated in the last two general elections. However, these voters can reactivate their status easily. Despite this, the Democratic Party has lost over 1,000 voters since March, while the GOP has seen an increase of more than 30,000 voters, according to Florida’s Voice.
The Republican stronghold is evident across the state, with the GOP leading in 56 of Florida’s 67 counties. Counties like Hillsborough and Madison are on the verge of flipping to the Republican side, indicating a statewide trend favoring the GOP.
Prior to 2021, FL never had more registered Republicans than Democrats. Now, a million voter R registration advantage is within reach.
Hillsborough (Tampa) is about to flip from D to R, which will mean every county in the Tampa Bay market has a R advantage in this previously… https://t.co/oH8b1jc4Y2
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) April 4, 2024
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, “Prior to 2021, FL never had more registered Republicans than Democrats. Now, a million voter R registration advantage is within reach.” The surge in GOP voters corresponds to the recent upswing in net migration into the Sunshine State.
The Democrat strategy of using abortion as a wedge issue after the reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022 will be in play in Florida. Meanwhile, in its attempt to put a good spin on the dismal numbers, the Biden campaign has simply begun to describe Florida as “winnable.”
