DeSantis deadlocked with possible Democrat challenger Crist in reelection bid, poll

Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis is deadlocked with potential 2022 Democratic challenger Charlie Crist, amid a surge of COVID-19 cases in their state, according to a new survey.

The survey by Florida-based firm St. Pete Polls found 44% said they would back DeSantis, while 45% said they would vote for Crist, who was Florida governor from 2007 to 201. 

The survey’s margin of error was 1.6 percentage points, which makes the hypothetical matchup a deadlock.

DeSantis has been hailed for his handling of the pandemic including vaccinating the state’s eldery and others most vulnerable to the virus, while keeping the economy open.