Just after the last Florida Gubernatorial debate, it was announced that President Donald Trump would be in Estero on Halloween for a “Make America Great Again” rally.
Trump has held more than 25 political rallies this election cycle, campaigning in heavily Republican areas across the country. The appearance in Estero is in Lee County where 43% of voters are registered as Republicans- 27% are democrats.
Florida Gulf Coast University Political Science professor Dr. Peter Bergerson says President Trump’s trip is targeted to help statewide candidates like Ron DeSantis for Governor and Rick Scott for Senate. He says more republican turnout could pull against democratic strongholds.
“The higher the turnout here in Southwest Florida of Republican voters will aid in offsetting the democratic gains that you might see in Miami Dade and Broward County,” Bergerson said.
Bergerson adds that with Bay County in the panhandle still reeling from Hurricane Michael, republican turnout may be significantly lower. There, 52% of voters are republicans versus 26% Democrat.
Copyright 2018 WGCU
