Poll shows leads for DeSantis, Graham ahead of gubernatorial primary

Mason Dixon’s new poll is good news for Gwen Graham in the Democratic race for governor, as well as U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis in the GOP gubernatorial primary. 

In the Democratic primary, the Mason Dixon poll shows Gwen Graham leading the pack with 27 percent, followed by Philip Levine in second place at 18 percent. 

Hillsborough Congresswoman Kathy Castor endorsed Graham Friday afternoon in Tampa. 

In her remarks, Castor cited the need to improve health care as a key reason in supporting Graham. 

At her Tampa rally, Graham proposed a public health option in which Floridians could purchase the same type of health insurance state lawmakers receive. She also pressed for higher teacher pay and cited the blue-green algae crisis in calling for a greater focus on protecting the environment. 

In the Republican party, the poll shows DeSantis leading Adam Putnam 41 percent to 29 percent.

This follows recent polls showing significant momentum for DeSantis.

Based on that movement, and the endorsement DeSantis received from President Trump, Larry Sabato who leads the University of Virginia Center for Politics shifted his projection in Florida’s GOP race for governor to "likely DeSantis."