Democrat Leads Florida GOP Incumbent by Double Digits in Internal Poll

A new poll showed a Democratic candidate in Florida leading a Republican incumbent in one of the state's largest counties.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:53pm

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A new Beacon Insights poll showed Democrat Yvette Drucker leading Republican incumbent Mike Caruso by nearly 11 points in the race for Palm Beach County clerk and comptroller. The poll surveyed 639 registered voters from March 24-25. The Palm Beach County clerk and comptroller position has been held by Democrats in recent years, but Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Caruso to fill the seat after Democrat Joseph Abruzzo resigned last year.

Why it matters

Democrats prevailed in several special elections in Florida in March, giving the party a glimmer of hope in a state where they have lost ground. Florida has become more conservative because of a rightward shift among Latino voters and an influx of conservative retirees. In 2024, Trump carried the state by double digits, a massive blow to Democrats who have continued to hope Florida might one day again become competitive. The new poll offered welcome news to Democrats in Palm Beach County, once a Democratic stronghold that has shifted toward becoming more competitive in recent elections.

The details

Drucker, a Boca Raton council member, received support from 48.4 percent of respondents to Caruso's 37.5 percent. Trump came close to winning Palm Beach County in 2024, capturing 49.2 percent of the vote to former Vice President Kamala Harris' 50 percent. At the same time, Abruzzo won reelection by about 6 points. Prior to his appointment, Caruso represented the Florida House district that includes Mar-a-Lago. It was flipped by Democrat Emily Gregory in a March 21 special election, so Trump is now represented by a Democrat in the state Legislature.

  • The poll surveyed 639 registered voters from March 24 to 25.
  • The Palm Beach County clerk and comptroller position has been held by Democrats in recent years, but Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Caruso to fill the seat after Democrat Joseph Abruzzo resigned last year.
  • Trump came close to winning Palm Beach County in 2024, capturing 49.2 percent of the vote to former Vice President Kamala Harris' 50 percent.
  • Abruzzo won reelection by about 6 points.
  • Prior to his appointment, Caruso represented the Florida House district that includes Mar-a-Lago. It was flipped by Democrat Emily Gregory in a March 21 special election.

The players

Yvette Drucker

A Boca Raton council member who is the Democratic candidate for Palm Beach County clerk and comptroller.

Mike Caruso

The Republican incumbent for the Palm Beach County clerk and comptroller position, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis after Democrat Joseph Abruzzo resigned.

Ron DeSantis

The Governor of Florida who appointed Mike Caruso to the Palm Beach County clerk and comptroller position.

Joseph Abruzzo

The previous Democratic holder of the Palm Beach County clerk and comptroller position, who resigned.

Emily Gregory

The Democrat who flipped the Florida House district that includes Mar-a-Lago in a March 21 special election.

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What they’re saying

“Across Palm Beach County, voters are demanding the kind of transparent, accountable, results-driven leadership that I have practiced my entire career. It's also clear that the Republican brand is badly damaged, and Palm Beach County voters simply aren't buying what they're selling.”

— Yvette Drucker, Democratic candidate for Palm Beach County clerk and comptroller

What’s next

Florida's primaries are set for August 18 and the general election will be on November 3.

The takeaway

The new poll in Palm Beach County, once a Democratic stronghold that has shifted toward becoming more competitive, offers a glimmer of hope for Democrats in Florida, a state that has become increasingly difficult for the party over the past decade.