Poll: Florida GOP Gov. DeSantis' approval rating climbs in the new year

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' approval rating among state residents has increased substantially compared to last year, according to a new survey.

A Mason-Dixon poll shows DeSantis with a 53% approval rating and a disapproval rating of 42%.

A poll conducted last July by the same firm found him with a 45% job-approval rating, with 49% of voters having an unfavorable view of his job performance.

DeSantis has gained national, as well as statewide, approval for his efforts to keep coronavirus numbers low while largely keeping open the Florida economy.

DeSantis' popularity among the GOP's conservative base was illustrated Sunday in the Conservative Political Action Conference's annual presidential straw poll. He finished second behind former President Trump, and first in a poll that did not include Trump in a hypothetical 2024 race. 

The new poll also shows DeSantis is in a strong position to win reelection next year as governor.

In hypothetical scenarios for the 2022 gubernatorial election, DeSantis fares well against state Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and Democratic Rep. Charlie Crist.

Against Fried, DeSantis leads 51%-42%, with 7% of respondents undecided. DeSantis has a slightly larger margin over Crist, polling at 52% to just 41% for Crist.