DeSantis favored over Trump among Florida Republicans for 2024 GOP candidate

Blueprint Polling asked respondents who they would like for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. DeSantis took the lead with 50.9 percent who backed or preferred his candidacy, compared to Trump at 38.6 percent, according to Newsweek.

When broken down to just those who are firm on their stance, DeSantis' lead extends to nearly 14 points — 47.6 percent compared to Trump’s 33.2 percent.

"Older Republicans are more likely to support Trump, but DeSantis still leads the former president in all age groupings," a poll summary read.

"Trump is tied with DeSantis among voters with some college but among high school graduates as well as college graduates and those with advanced degrees, DeSantis polls much better."

Meanwhile, 66 percent of respondents say Florida Republicans believe that widespread election fraud cost Trump the 2020 election. Another 11 percent said Florida Republicans do not believe but "will go along with the rhetoric" because it energizes Republicans in upcoming elections. Trump has repeatedly said the election was stolen.

The Blueprint Polling survey of 656 voters was conducted between July 7-10, with a margin of error of +/- 3.82 percent.

There’s been much speculation that DeSantis is preparing for a 2024 run. Some commentators have suggested the governor is trying to distance himself from the ex-president as a result.

Another recent poll conducted by The New York Times/Siena College suggested his support has started to weaken, with less than half (49 percent) of GOP voters now backing him as their preferred choice.