DeSantis Gains Ground Against Trump In GOP Primary: Poll

In a recent turn of events, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R – Florida) is gaining ground against former President Trump in the crowded Republican presidential primary, according to a poll released on Thursday.

What Happened: An Emerson College national poll shows Trump leading the field with 59 percent support among Republican primary voters, while DeSantis trails at 21 percent. However, Trump’s support has dipped three points from 62 percent since April, while DeSantis has seen a five-point increase from 16 percent, The Hill reports.

Former Vice President Mike Pence came in third place with six percent support. No other Republican candidate reached five percent support, according to the survey.

"In the past year, the Republican primary has remained statistically unchanged," said Spencer Kimball, polling director at Emerson College. "However, DeSantis has made inroads with women voters over the last few months; Trump led DeSantis among women voters 58% to 17% in April, but now leads 53% to 26% in June, a 14-point improvement for DeSantis."

Why It Matters: This development comes amidst a series of events that have seen Trump’s GOP lead grow after facing federal charges according to some polls, while one key poll suggests his support has dip below 50%.

The GOP primary race is seeing DeSantis trail Trump despite the latter’s indictment.

DeSantis’s gains are notable, considering the recent feud with Disney. Trump has also alleged “disloyalty” on the part of the Florida governor.