Republicans have opened a narrow early lead in Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race, according to a new poll, Newsweek reported, as Democrats look to revive their fortunes in a state that has trended increasingly conservative under Governor Ron DeSantis.

Republicans are leading in early polling for Florida’s 2026 governor’s race, but the margin remains tight, suggesting a potential opening for Democrats aiming to reverse a string of statewide defeats.

A new poll conducted by the James Madison Institute between May 5-7 surveyed 1,200 registered voters and found that in hypothetical matchups, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, a Democrat who has not formally declared her candidacy, trails Republican contenders by a few percentage points.

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