2018 United States Senate election in Florida

For related races, see 2018 United States Senate elections.

2018 United States Senate election in Florida
← 2012 November 6, 2018 2024 →
Turnout52.0% Decrease[1]
 
Nominee Rick Scott Bill Nelson
Party Republican Democratic
Popular vote 4,099,505 4,089,472
Percentage 50.05% 49.93%
Scott:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Nelson:      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%
Tie:      50%      No data
U.S. senator before election

Bill Nelson
Democratic

Elected U.S. senator

Rick Scott
Republican

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The 2018 United States Senate election in Florida was held on November 6, 2018, alongside a gubernatorial election, elections to the U.S. House of Representatives and other state and local elections. Incumbent Democratic senator Bill Nelson ran for re-election to a fourth term, but was narrowly defeated by Republican governor Rick Scott. The election was the closest Senate race in the state's history.[2]

This was one of ten Democratic-held Senate seats up for election in a state won by Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election. The results of the race were in dispute for 12 days following the election. The results showed that Nelson was narrowly trailing Scott, but the margin remained below 0.5%, triggering an automatic recount under Florida law. A controversial recount ensued, with both campaigns claiming irregularities. Following the recount, Florida elections officials confirmed Scott's victory on November 18, 2018. Scott received 50.05% of the vote, while Nelson received 49.93%; the margin of victory was 10,033 votes out of 8.19 million votes cast, or 0.12%. Both in terms of raw vote margin and by percentage of difference, this was the closest Senate election in the 2018 cycle. Scott's victory marked the first time since the Reconstruction era in 1875 that Republicans have held both Senate seats in Florida, making it the last former Confederate State to do so.[3]

Background

[edit]

Incumbent Democratic Senator Bill Nelson sought re-election in the 2018 U.S. Senate election in Florida. The election was expected to be a key race in determining which party would control the U.S. Senate in 2019.[4]

As of the second quarter of 2018, Nelson had a 44%–34% approval rating among his constituents.[5] Despite having won re-election in 2012 by a 13% margin, Nelson was considered potentially vulnerable; he had been the only statewide elected Democrat in Florida since 2011, and his previous opponents, Connie Mack IV and Katherine Harris, were seen as much weaker challengers than Scott. Additionally, he was one of 10 incumbent Democratic senators running in states that had been carried by Donald Trump in 2016. Nelson was described as a "low-key centrist" that might not be able to energize progressive voters.[6]

After being encouraged by President Trump to enter the Senate race,[7] Republican governor of Florida Rick Scott announced his candidacy on April 9, 2018.[8] As of the first quarter of 2018, Scott held a 54%–35% approval rating[9] among his constituents, with a majority of Florida voters believing the state was moving in the right direction under Scott's administration. Republican President Donald Trump also held a positive approval rating of 49%–47% in Florida as of August 2018.[10] Trump had won the state in 2016 by 1.2% over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Scott had put more than $86 million of his own money into his successful 2010 and 2014 gubernatorial bids.[11]

Republican primary

[edit]

The Republican primary was considered merely a formality, as Governor Scott's lone challenger was a perennial candidate who was running for Senate seats in eight other Republican primaries across the country. No other notable Republicans entered the race before or after Scott announced his candidacy.[12]

Candidates

[edit]

Nominee

[edit]

Eliminated in the primary

[edit]

Withdrew

[edit]

Declined

[edit]

Polling

[edit]
Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size 		Margin
of error 		Rocky
De La Fuente 		Rick
Scott 		Undecided
Gravis Marketing[40] August 21–25, 2018 579 ± 4.1% 12% 73% 15%
Gravis Marketing[41] August 21–22, 2018 321 ± 5.5% 12% 73% 15%
Gravis Marketing[42] July 13–14, 2018 905 ± 3.3% 16% 74% 10%
Hypothetical polling
Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size 		Margin
of error 		Ron
DeSantis 		Augustus Sol
Invictus 		David
Jolly 		Carlos
López-Cantera 		Tom
Rooney 		Rick
Scott 		Marcia R.
Thorne 		Other Undecided
Saint Leo University[43] November 19–24, 2017 166 – – 1% – – 8% 54% 1% 4% 33%
Saint Leo University[44] November 27–30, 2016 138 – 3% – 6% 3% 3% 41% – 11% 33%

Results

[edit]
County results
  Scott
  •   70–80%
  •   80–90%
  •   90–100%
Republican primary results[45]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Rick Scott 1,456,187 88.61%
Republican Rocky De La Fuente 187,209 11.39%
Total votes 1,643,396 100.00%

Democratic primary

[edit]

As both of Senator Nelson's primary opponents failed to qualify for the ballot, no Democratic primary was held.[12]

Candidates

[edit]

Nominee

[edit]

Declined

[edit]

Failed to qualify

[edit]

Libertarian Party

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]

Withdrew

[edit]

Declined

[edit]

American Independent Party

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]

Withdrew

[edit]

Independents and write-ins

[edit]

Candidates

[edit]

Declared

[edit]

Withdrew

[edit]

General election

[edit]

According to The Cook Political Report, the race was one of the 10 most competitive U.S. Senate races in the nation.[65] It was also described as the most expensive U.S. Senate race in the country.[66][67]

Scott's involvement in a large Medicare fraud case stirred controversy during the general election campaign.[68][69] Scott responded with ads accusing Nelson of having cut Medicare benefits and stolen from Medicare; fact-checkers found that both of Scott's assertions were "mostly false."[70][68] During the campaign, Scott characterize[s] Nelson as a "socialist"; PolitiFact described the assertion as "pants-on-fire" false.[71]

Gun control was a key issue in this race. The election came less than nine months after the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, the deadliest school shooting in American history. Nelson also mentioned the Orlando nightclub shooting that occurred in June 2016 and killed 49 people, asserting that "nothing was done" by Scott's administration. In the wake of Stoneman Douglas, Scott raised the age to purchase a gun from 18 to 21, set a three-day waiting period to purchase assault-style weapons, and banned bump stocks—moves that Nelson described as "doing the bare...minimum". The National Rifle Association of America opposed Scott's legislation.[72]

Environmental issues also took on a prominent role in the race. Scott and his administration had been heavily criticized for weakening regulations designed to protect the environment, even going as far as to instruct the FDEP not to use the words "climate change" or "global warming" in official reports.[73] Because of this, Scott was blamed for the state's worsening algae blooms, even being dubbed "Red Tide Rick" on social media. Scott blamed the toxic blooms on Nelson and on Congress' general inefficiency.[74]

During the campaign, Scott sought to avoid mentioning President Trump and at times criticized or distanced himself from actions of the Trump administration. Prior to the campaign, he had used his friendship with Trump to boost his profile, had been an early and vocal supporter of Trump in 2016,[75][76] and reportedly spoke to President Trump every one or two weeks.[75] Trump endorsed Scott in his Senate bid.[76]

Both Nelson's and Scott's responses to Hurricanes Irma and Michael (which made landfall in September 2017 and October 2018, respectively) were closely watched during the campaign season.[77]

Scott made Nelson's age an issue in the campaign.[78]

A 2024 study found that the confusing ballot design in Broward County, which flouted federal guidelines on ballot design, led approximately 25,000 voters to undervote in the 2018 Senate election. As the race was determined by less than 10,000 votes, some have speculated that the ballot design flaws contributed to the election outcome. However, the study concluded that this was unlikely to be the case.[79]

Debates

[edit]

Endorsements

[edit]
Rick Scott (R)

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Governors

Statewide and territorial officials

State and territorial legislators

Sheriffs

Mayors

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Individuals

Organizations

Newspapers

Bill Nelson (D)

U.S. Executive Branch officials

U.S. senators

U.S. representatives

Governors

Statewide and territorial officials

State legislators

Mayors

Other government officials

Individuals

Organizations

Newspapers

Declined to endorse

Newspapers

Predictions

[edit]
Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[190] Tossup October 26, 2018
Inside Elections[191] Tilt D November 1, 2018
Sabato's Crystal Ball[192] Lean D November 5, 2018
NYT[193] Tossup November 5, 2018
Fox News[194] Tossup November 5, 2018
CNN[195] Tossup November 5, 2018
RealClearPolitics[196] Tossup November 5, 2018
Daily Kos[197] Tossup November 5, 2018
Politico[198] Tossup November 5, 2018
FiveThirtyEight[199] Lean D November 5, 2018

Fundraising

[edit]
Campaign finance reports as of October 17, 2018
Candidate (party) Total receipts Total disbursements Cash on hand
Rick Scott (R) $68,801,011 $66,496,248 $2,304,762
Bill Nelson (D) Incumbent $28,294,713 $25,482,421 $3,806,614
Source: Federal Election Commission[200]

Polling

[edit]
Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size 		Margin
of error 		Bill
Nelson (D) 		Rick
Scott (R) 		Other Undecided
The Trafalgar Group (R)[201] November 4–5, 2018 1,484 ± 2.5% 47% 49% – 4%
HarrisX[202] November 3–5, 2018 600 ± 4.0% 48% 48% – –
St. Pete Polls[203] November 3–4, 2018 3,088 ± 1.8% 50% 46% – 4%
HarrisX[204] November 2–4, 2018 600 ± 4.0% 45% 49% – –
Quinnipiac University[205] October 29 – November 4, 2018 1,142 ± 3.5% 51% 44% 0% 5%
Emerson College[206] November 1–3, 2018 784 ± 3.7% 50% 45% 3% 3%
HarrisX[207] November 1–3, 2018 600 ± 4.0% 45% 47% – –
Research Co.[208] November 1–3, 2018 450 ± 4.6% 47% 46% – 7%
Change Research (D-Reason to Believe PAC)[209] November 1–2, 2018 1,236 – 50% 48% – –
St. Pete Polls[210] November 1–2, 2018 2,733 ± 1.9% 48% 49% – 3%
HarrisX[211] October 31 – November 2, 2018 600 ± 4.0% 46% 48% – –
Marist College[212] October 30 – November 2, 2018 595 LV ± 5.0% 50% 46% <1% 4%
917 RV ± 4.1% 50% 45% <1% 5%
Gravis Marketing[213] October 29 – November 2, 2018 753 ± 3.6% 50% 47% – 4%
HarrisX[214] October 30 – November 1, 2018 600 ± 4.0% 45% 50% – –
St. Pete Polls[215] October 30–31, 2018 2,470 ± 2.0% 49% 47% – 3%
Targoz Market Research[216] October 28–31, 2018 558 – 45% 49% – 6%
HarrisX[217] October 29–31, 2018 600 ± 4.0% 45% 48% – –
MWR Research/Consumer Energy Alliance[218][a] October 25–31, 2020 1,005 – 41% 43% – 17%[b]
The Trafalgar Group (R)[219] October 29–30, 2018 2,543 ± 1.9% 49% 47% – 4%
Vox Populi Polling[220] October 27–30, 2018 696 ± 3.7% 50% 50% – –
HarrisX[221] October 24–30, 2018 1,400 ± 2.6% 43% 44% – –
Cygnal (R)[222] October 27–29, 2018 495 ± 4.4% 50% 48% – 2%
CNN/SSRS[223] October 24–29, 2018 781 LV ± 4.3% 49% 47% 0% 2%
887 RV ± 4.0% 46% 46% 0% 5%
Suffolk University[224] October 25–28, 2018 500 ± 4.4% 45% 43% – 10%
NYT Upshot/Siena College[225] October 23–27, 2018 737 ± 4.0% 48% 44% – 8%
University of North Florida[226] October 23–26, 2018 1,051 ± 3.0% 47% 46% <1% 7%
YouGov[227] October 23–26, 2018 991 ± 4.0% 46% 46% 1% 6%
Ipsos[228] October 17–25, 2018 1,069 ± 3.4% 49% 44% 3% 4%
Gravis Marketing[229] October 22–23, 2018 773 ± 3.5% 49% 45% – 6%
Strategic Research Associates[230] October 16–23, 2018 800 ± 3.5% 46% 45% – 9%
Saint Leo University[231] October 16–22, 2018 698 ± 3.5% 47% 38% 6% 9%
St. Pete Polls[232] October 20–21, 2018 1,575 ± 2.5% 48% 49% – 3%
Florida Atlantic University[233] October 18–21, 2018 704 ± 3.6% 41% 42% 4% 13%
SurveyUSA[234] October 18–21, 2018 665 ± 5.0% 49% 41% 4% 6%
Quinnipiac University[235] October 17–21, 2018 1,161 ± 3.5% 52% 46% 0% 2%
Schroth, Eldon and Associates (D)[236] October 17–20, 2018 600 ± 4.0% 45% 47% – 9%
CNN/SSRS[237] October 16–20, 2018 759 LV ± 4.2% 50% 45% 0% 3%
872 RV ± 3.9% 49% 45% 0% 4%
OnMessage Inc. (R-Scott)[238] October 14–18, 2018 2,200 ± 2.1% 46% 51% – 3%
St. Pete Polls[239] October 15–16, 2018 1,974 ± 2.2% 47% 49% – 4%
Florida Southern College[240] October 1–5, 2018 476 ± 4.5% 44% 46% 6% 4%
Kaiser Family Foundation/SSRS[241] September 19 – October 2, 2018 522 ± 6.0% 48% 45% 1% 6%
St. Pete Polls[242] September 29–30, 2018 2,313 ± 2.0% 47% 47% – 6%
Public Policy Polling (D-Protect Our Care)[243] September 28–30, 2018 779 ± 3.5% 48% 44% – 9%
Strategic Research Associates[244] September 17–30, 2018 800 ± 3.5% 45% 44% – 11%
Mason-Dixon[245] September 24–27, 2018 815 ± 3.5% 47% 46% – 7%
Quinnipiac University[246] September 20–24, 2018 888 ± 4.0% 53% 46% 0% 1%
Cherry Communications[247] September 19–24, 2018 622 ± 4.4% 48% 46% – –
Marist College[248] September 16–20, 2018 600 LV ± 4.7% 48% 45% 1% 6%
829 RV ± 4.0% 48% 43% 1% 7%
University of North Florida[249] September 17–19, 2018 603 – 45% 45% 1% 9%
Florida Atlantic University[250] September 13–16, 2018 850 ± 3.3% 41% 42% 5% 11%
Ipsos[251] September 5–12, 2018 1,000 ± 4.0% 45% 46% 4% 6%
Rasmussen Reports[252] September 10–11, 2018 800 ± 3.5% 45% 44% 5% 6%
SurveyUSA[253] September 7–9, 2018 634 ± 5.3% 44% 46% 4% 7%
Quinnipiac University[254] August 30 – September 3, 2018 785 ± 4.3% 49% 49% 0% 2%
Gravis Marketing[255] August 29–30, 2018 1,225 ± 2.8% 47% 47% – 6%
Public Policy Polling (D-EDGE Comms.)[256] August 29–30, 2018 743 ± 4.0% 46% 45% – 8%
St. Pete Polls[257] August 29–30, 2018 1,755 ± 2.3% 47% 47% – 5%
Florida Atlantic University[258] August 16–20, 2018 800 ± 3.4% 39% 45% – 17%
Saint Leo University[259] August 10–16, 2018 500 ± 4.5% 36% 40% 8% 15%
Mason-Dixon[260] July 24–25, 2018 625 ± 4.0% 44% 47% – 9%
Florida Atlantic University[261] July 20–21, 2018 800 ± 3.4% 40% 44% – 17%
Gravis Marketing[42] July 13–14, 2018 1,840 ± 2.3% 47% 43% – 10%
SurveyMonkey/Axios[262] June 11 – July 2, 2018 1,080 ± 5.0% 46% 49% – 5%
YouGov[263] June 19–22, 2018 839 LV – 41% 46% 6% 6%
996 RV ± 3.5% 40% 42% 6% 9%
Marist College[264] June 17–21, 2018 947 ± 3.9% 49% 45% 1% 5%
Public Policy Polling (D-EDGE Comms.)[265] June 18–19, 2018 1,308 ± 3.2% 48% 46% – 7%
Gravis Marketing[266] May 31 – June 15, 2018 1,251 ± 2.8% 50% 40% – 10%
Cherry Communications[267] May 25 – June 4, 2018 605 ± 4.0% 45% 48% – 5%
Saint Leo University[268] May 25–31, 2018 506 ± 4.5% 34% 40% 8% 18%
Morning Consult[269] May 29–30, 2018 1,199 ± 3.0% 39% 40% – –
Florida Atlantic University[270] May 4–7, 2018 728 LV – 45% 45% – –
1,000 RV ± 3.0% 40% 44% – 16%
Public Policy Polling (D-Levine)[271] April 10–11, 2018 661 ± 3.9% 50% 44% – 6%
Gravis Marketing[272] February 26 – March 19, 2018 2,212 ± 2.1% 44% 40% – 16%
McLaughlin & Associates (R-NR PAC)[273] March 10–13, 2018 800 ± 3.4% 46% 47% – 6%
Clearview Research[274] March 1–7, 2018 750 ± 3.6% 41% 43% – 16%
SurveyMonkey/Axios[275] February 12 – March 5, 2018 1,806 ± 5.0% 53% 43% – 4%
Quinnipiac University[276] February 23–26, 2018 1,156 ± 3.6% 46% 42% 2% 9%
Florida Atlantic University[277] February 23–25, 2018 800 ± 3.6% 40% 38% – 22%
Saint Leo University[278] February 18–24, 2018 500 ± 4.5% 35% 42% 9% 15%
Gravis Marketing[279] February 1–18, 2018 1,978 ± 2.2% 44% 40% – 16%
Florida Atlantic University[280] February 1–4, 2018 750 ± 3.7% 34% 44% – 22%
University of North Florida[281] January 29 – February 4, 2018 429 ± 4.7% 48% 42% 2% 7%
Mason-Dixon[282] January 30 – February 1, 2018 625 ± 4.0% 45% 44% – 11%
Dixie Strategies[283] January 9–10, 2018 785 ± 3.5% 38% 35% – 27%
Gravis Marketing[284] December 19–24, 2017 5,778 ± 1.3% 44% 39% – 17%
Saint Leo University[43] November 19–24, 2017 500 ± 4.5% 32% 42% 8% 18%
Mason-Dixon[285] October 17–19, 2017 625 ± 4.0% 44% 44% – 12%
University of North Florida[286] October 11–17, 2017 706 ± 3.4% 37% 36% 7% 20%
Cherry Communications[287] September 17–24, 2017 615 ± 4.0% 45% 47% – 8%
Saint Leo University[288] September 10–16, 2017 500 ± 4.5% 33% 35% 11% 21%
Florida Atlantic University[289] August 24–26, 2017 800 ± 4.0% 42% 40% – 18%
Gravis Marketing[290] April 4–10, 2017 1,243 ± 2.8% 56% 28% – 16%
Gravis Marketing[291] March 28–29, 2017 1,453 ± 2.6% 52% 37% – 12%
Cherry Communications[292] March 6–14, 2017 600 ± 4.0% 48% 42% – 10%
Saint Leo University[293] March 3–11, 2017 507 ± 4.5% 39% 34% 10% 17%
Public Opinion Strategies (R-FHA)[294] March 1–5, 2017 600 ± 4.0% 46% 44% – 10%
Mason-Dixon[295] February 24–28, 2017 625 ± 4.0% 46% 41% – 13%
University of North Florida[296] February 13–26, 2017 957 ± 3.1% 44% 38% 3% 12%
Gravis Marketing[297] November 22–25, 2016 3,250 ± 2.4% 51% 38% – 11%
Public Policy Polling[298] September 4–6, 2016 744 ± 3.6% 45% 41% – 14%
Public Policy Polling[299] September 11–13, 2015 814 ± 3.4% 46% 42% – 12%
Public Policy Polling[300] March 19–22, 2015 923 ± 3.2% 47% 43% – 10%
Hypothetical polling

with Pam Bondi

Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size 		Margin
of error 		Bill
Nelson (D) 		Pam
Bondi (R) 		Undecided
Gravis Marketing[297] November 22–25, 2016 3,250 ± 2.4% 50% 35% 15%

Initial results and recount

[edit]

The results of the race were in dispute for 12 days following the election. Because Scott's lead over Nelson was less than 0.5% of the vote, an automatic recount was triggered under Florida law.[301][302] A controversial recount ensued, with both campaigns claiming irregularities.[303]

Nelson and Scott traded accusations of voter suppression and voter fraud.[304] Two lawsuits were filed by the Scott campaign after the election against the Supervisor of Elections in both Palm Beach and Broward Counties while the Nelson campaign filed one against the secretary of state in Florida. On November 9, the Scott campaign won both of their lawsuits.[305][306] Notably, election officials in Broward County had to receive police protection after accusations of voter fraud were made by a few members of Congress.[307]

Additionally, a number of mail-in ballots were found in a mail distribution center in the city of Opa-locka three days after the election. The Miami-Dade Elections Department considered the votes uncountable because they had not arrived at the department by the time the polls closed.[308]

The deadline for all ballots to be machine-counted was 3:00 pm EST on Thursday, November 15, 2018. The revised totals triggered a statewide hand-recount of rejected ballots. At least three counties (Broward, Hillsborough, and Palm Beach County) missed the deadline.[309][310] During machine counting, 846 votes from Hillsborough County were lost, presumably due to a power outage.[311][309] Machines purchased from Sequoia Voting Systems broke down, creating delays in the count of Palm Beach County votes.[312]

Results

[edit]

Florida elections officials announced on November 18, 2018, that Scott had prevailed. Scott received 50.05% of the vote, while Nelson received 49.93%; the margin of victory was 10,033 votes out of 8.19 million votes cast. Nelson then conceded the race to Scott.[313]

United States Senate election in Florida, 2018[314]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Rick Scott 4,099,505 50.05% +7.82%
Democratic Bill Nelson (incumbent) 4,089,472 49.93% −5.30%
Write-in 1,028 0.01% N/A
Total votes 8,190,005 100.00% N/A
Republican gain from Democratic

By county

[edit]

Final results from Florida Division of Elections.[314]

County Rick Scott (Republican) Bill Nelson (Democratic) Other (Write-in) Total
Votes % Votes % Votes %
Alachua 40,599 35.27% 74,493 64.71% 20 0.02% 115,112
Baker 8,579 81.51% 1,945 18.48% 1 0.01% 10,525
Bay 46,681 73.62% 16,723 26.37% 7 0.01% 63,411
Bradford 7,576 72.46% 2,879 27.53% 1 0.01% 10,456
Brevard 160,305 56.95% 121,112 43.03% 56 0.02% 281,473
Broward 211,397 30.92% 472,239 69.08% 0 0.00% 683,636
Calhoun 3,586 77.64% 1,033 22.36% 0 0.00% 4,619
Charlotte 52,916 61.20% 33,525 38.78% 16 0.02% 86,457
Citrus 48,008 67.92% 22,660 32.06% 15 0.02% 70,683
Clay 65,639 70.30% 27,718 29.69% 11 0.01% 93,368
Collier 101,266 65.06% 54,390 34.94% 6 0.00% 155,662
Columbia 17,234 69.65% 7,505 30.33% 6 0.02% 24,745
Desoto 5,503 62.31% 3,328 37.69% 0 0.00% 8,831
Dixie 4,442 77.06% 1,322 22.94% 0 0.00% 5,764
Duval 185,904 49.14% 192,381 50.85% 45 0.01% 378,330
Escambia 75,947 58.94% 52,891 41.05% 17 0.01% 128,855
Flagler 31,467 59.49% 21,419 40.49% 11 0.02% 52,897
Franklin 3,404 62.86% 2,011 37.14% 0 0.00% 5,415
Gadsden 6,051 30.26% 13,945 69.74% 1 0.01% 19,997
Gilchrist 5,703 77.74% 1,633 22.26% 0 0.00% 7,336
Glades 2,666 69.74% 1,156 30.24% 1 0.03% 3,823
Gulf 4,321 73.22% 1,580 26.78% 0 0.00% 5,901
Hamilton 2,856 63.09% 1,671 36.91% 0 0.00% 4,527
Hardee 4,455 69.93% 1,916 30.07% 0 0.00% 6,371
Hendry 5,304 59.96% 3,542 40.04% 0 0.00% 8,846
Hernando 49,501 61.64% 30,798 38.35% 14 0.02% 80,313
Highlands 26,282 66.22% 13,398 33.76% 6 0.02% 39,686
Hillsborough 239,641 45.96% 281,661 54.02% 72 0.01% 521,374
Holmes 5,919 87.37% 856 12.63% 0 0.00% 6,775
Indian River 44,798 60.53% 29,195 39.45% 11 0.01% 74,004
Jackson 10,791 67.55% 5,182 32.44% 1 0.01% 15,974
Jefferson 3,699 50.48% 3,626 49.49% 2 0.03% 7,327
Lafayette 2,195 77.89% 623 22.11% 0 0.00% 2,818
Lake 93,537 60.36% 61,402 39.63% 15 0.01% 154,954
Lee 174,316 60.27% 114,857 39.71% 41 0.01% 289,214
Leon 48,767 34.86% 91,097 65.12% 34 0.02% 139,898
Levy 11,658 68.66% 5,319 31.33% 3 0.02% 16,980
Liberty 2,076 76.66% 632 23.34% 0 0.00% 2,708
Madison 4,184 54.99% 3,425 45.01% 0 0.00% 7,609
Manatee 94,390 57.80% 68,877 42.18% 28 0.02% 163,295
Marion 95,592 61.81% 59,025 38.16% 44 0.03% 154,661
Martin 46,733 60.35% 30,691 39.63% 12 0.02% 77,436
Miami-Dade 316,020 39.43% 485,496 60.57% 31 0.00% 801,547
Monroe 18,035 49.97% 18,051 50.02% 4 0.01% 36,090
Nassau 31,795 73.09% 11,703 26.90% 3 0.01% 43,501
Okaloosa 60,924 72.66% 22,902 27.31% 19 0.02% 83,845
Okeechobee 7,727 68.84% 3,496 31.15% 1 0.01% 11,224
Orange 180,763 38.04% 294,308 61.94% 70 0.01% 475,141
Osceola 47,898 41.64% 67,123 58.35% 8 0.01% 115,029
Palm Beach 244,850 41.58% 344,008 58.42% 36 0.01% 588,894
Pasco 121,212 57.53% 89,447 42.45% 51 0.02% 210,710
Pinellas 205,935 47.37% 228,712 52.60% 127 0.03% 434,774
Polk 138,751 56.74% 105,748 43.24% 45 0.02% 244,544
Putnam 18,689 66.66% 9,344 33.33% 5 0.02% 28,038
Santa Rosa 56,374 74.74% 19,047 25.25% 10 0.01% 75,431
Sarasota 113,585 53.94% 96,973 46.05% 35 0.02% 210,593
Seminole 97,457 48.98% 101,504 51.01% 31 0.02% 198,992
St. Johns 85,031 65.07% 45,638 34.92% 12 0.01% 130,681
St. Lucie 59,612 48.22% 63,978 51.75% 34 0.03% 123,624
Sumter 52,868 70.92% 21,678 29.08% 3 0.00% 74,549
Suwannee 11,842 74.53% 4,044 25.45% 2 0.01% 15,888
Taylor 5,638 71.36% 2,263 28.64% 0 0.00% 7,901
Union 3,650 75.30% 1,197 24.70% 0 0.00% 4,847
Volusia 125,762 55.02% 102,819 44.98% 0 0.00% 228,581
Wakulla 9,322 65.69% 4,868 34.31% 0 0.00% 14,190
Walton 22,776 75.26% 7,485 24.73% 4 0.01% 30,265
Washington 7,101 78.38% 1,959 21.62% 0 0.00% 9,060
Total 4,099,505 50.05% 4,089,472 49.93% 1,028 0.01% 8,190,005

Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican

By congressional district

[edit]

Scott won 14 of 27 congressional districts.[315]

District Nelson Scott Representative
1st 32% 68% Matt Gaetz
2nd 35% 65% Neal Dunn
3rd 45% 55% Ted Yoho
4th 38% 62% John Rutherford
5th 65% 35% Al Lawson
6th 43% 57% Ron DeSantis
Michael Waltz
7th 55% 45% Stephanie Murphy
8th 42% 58% Bill Posey
9th 54% 46% Darren Soto
10th 63% 37% Val Demings
11th 35% 65% Daniel Webster
12th 44% 56% Gus Bilirakis
13th 55% 45% Charlie Crist
14th 59% 41% Kathy Castor
15th 46% 54% Dennis Ross
Ross Spano
16th 46% 54% Vern Buchanan
17th 38% 62% Tom Rooney
Greg Steube
18th 48% 52% Brian Mast
19th 38% 62% Francis Rooney
20th 82% 18% Alcee Hastings
21st 61% 39% Lois Frankel
22nd 60% 40% Ted Deutch
23rd 64% 36% Debbie Wasserman Schultz
24th 83% 17% Frederica Wilson
25th 42% 58% Mario Díaz-Balart
26th 54% 46% Carlos Curbelo
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell
27th 56% 44% Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
Donna Shalala

Analysis

[edit]

Edison Research exit poll

[edit]
Demographic subgroup Nelson Scott No
Answer 		% of
Voters
Gender
Men 42 58 N/A 45
Women 57 43 N/A 55
Age
18–24 years old 62 38 N/A 5
25–29 years old 73 27 N/A 5
30–39 years old 62 38 N/A 10
40–49 years old 49 51 N/A 12
50–64 years old 50 50 N/A 31
65 and older 43 57 N/A 37
Race
White 40 60 N/A 66
Black 90 10 N/A 13
Latino 54 46 N/A 15
Asian N/A N/A N/A 2
Other 67 33 N/A 4
Race by gender
White men 32 68 N/A 31
White women 47 53 N/A 35
Black men 88 12 N/A 6
Black women 91 9 N/A 8
Latino men 49 51 N/A 6
Latina women 58 42 N/A 9
Others 66 34 N/A 5
Education
High school or less 47 53 N/A 20
Some college education 51 49 N/A 25
Associate degree 47 53 N/A 15
Bachelor's degree 48 52 N/A 24
Advanced degree 58 42 N/A 16
Education and race
White college graduates 47 53 N/A 28
White no college degree 35 65 N/A 38
Non-white college graduates 64 36 N/A 12
Non-white no college degree 74 26 N/A 22
Whites by education and gender
White women with college degrees 58 42 N/A 13
White women without college degrees 40 60 N/A 22
White men with college degrees 37 63 N/A 14
White men without college degrees 27 73 N/A 17
Non-whites 70 30 N/A 34
Income
Under $30,000 62 38 N/A 19
$30,000–49,999 53 47 N/A 22
$50,000–99,999 51 49 N/A 34
$100,000–199,999 48 52 N/A 19
Over $200,000 N/A N/A N/A 7
Party ID
Democrats 92 8 N/A 33
Republicans 9 91 N/A 37
Independents 55 45 N/A 30
Party by gender
Democratic men 90 10 N/A 12
Democratic women 93 7 N/A 21
Republican men 7 93 N/A 19
Republican women 11 89 N/A 18
Independent men 50 50 N/A 14
Independent women 60 40 N/A 16
Ideology
Liberals 89 11 N/A 22
Moderates 62 38 N/A 39
Conservatives 15 85 N/A 39
Marital status
Married 43 57 N/A 64
Unmarried 59 41 N/A 36
Gender by marital status
Married men 36 64 N/A 32
Married women 50 50 N/A 31
Unmarried men 48 52 N/A 14
Unmarried women 62 38 N/A 22
First-time midterm election voter
Yes 58 42 N/A 16
No 47 53 N/A 84
Most important issue facing the country
Health care 75 25 N/A 41
Immigration 17 83 N/A 29
Economy 28 72 N/A 16
Gun policy 76 24 N/A 11
Area type
Urban 56 44 N/A 42
Suburban 47 53 N/A 50
Rural 37 63 N/A 8
Source: CNN[316]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ The Consumer Energy Alliance is a pro-Keystone XL lobbying group
  2. ^ Includes "Refused"

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
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  83. ^ Rubio, Marco [@marcorubio] (April 9, 2018). "One of most important roles of senate is confirming federal judges & scotus. The road to growing the senate #GOP majority runs through #Florida Please join me in contributing to, voting for & supporting @ScottforFlorida #Sayfie" (Tweet). Retrieved April 10, 2018 – via Twitter.
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  99. ^ Corcoran, Richard [@richardcorcoran] (April 9, 2018). "Gov @ScottforFlorida has spent the last 8yrs putting the priorities of every Floridian first. Tax cuts, massive job growth, and an improved Ed system will be his legacy as gov. Now we need his proven conservative leadership in D.C. I couldn't be more excited 4 this announcement" (Tweet). Retrieved April 10, 2018 – via Twitter.
  100. ^ Caldwell, Matt [@mattcaldwell_fl] (April 9, 2018). "I proudly endorse @FLGovScott in his bid to fight for Florida in the U.S. Senate. With Gov. Scott's leadership as a principled conservative, Florida has roared with jobs, shed needless taxes, and staked its claim as the best state for Americans to pursue their dreams" (Tweet). Retrieved April 13, 2018 – via Twitter.
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  108. ^ Petty, Ryan [@rpetty] (April 10, 2018). "I am thrilled to endorse my friend, Rick Scott for US Senate. @ScottforFlorida demonstrated true leadership in making our kids & teachers safer here in Florida. We need this same leadership in DC. Please join with me in supporting him for US Senate. #rickscottforsenate" (Tweet). Retrieved April 12, 2018 – via Twitter.
  109. ^ Pollack, Andrew [@AndrewPollackFL] (April 10, 2018). "I am proud to endorse my friend Governor Rick Scott for US Senate. @ScottforFlorida has helped me tremendously in my pursuit to make schools in America safe & secure. He signed the PS Bill 7026 that I advocated for after my daughter was killed at #MSD. He's a great man" (Tweet). Retrieved April 12, 2018 – via Twitter.
  110. ^ Pollack, Hunter [@PollackHunter] (August 1, 2018). "I have been working very closely with the Governor to establish the @Scott_Students initiative and it's already becoming a huge success! So glad to be apart of it. Please follow! #ScottForSenate" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
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  120. ^ Shapiro, Dan [@DanielBShapiro] (October 3, 2018). "So excited to be in Florida today &tomorrow to campaign for my good friend (& former boss) US Sen. Bill Nelson! He's a leader, a great fighter for Florida, a strong supporter of the US-Israel relationship, and an outstanding person. Let's keep him in the Senate!@NelsonForSenate" (Tweet). Retrieved October 5, 2018 – via Twitter.
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  122. ^ Hollyfield, Amy (October 9, 2017). "California's Kamala Harris to fundraise in Florida for Bill Nelson". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
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  124. ^ "Democrats fret Nelson is choking in Florida Senate race". POLITICO.
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  127. ^ Merkley, Jeff [@JeffMerkley] (April 10, 2018). "Whenever the GOP has tried to gut Medicare, slash Social Security, or open our coasts to oil drilling, @NelsonForSenate has always stood in their way. Now we need to stand with him" (Tweet). Retrieved October 21, 2018 – via Twitter.
  128. ^ Graham, Gwen [@GwenGraham] (April 9, 2018). "I am proud to have worked with Senator Nelson to fight oil drilling off our beaches, to defend the Affordable Care Act and to create good jobs in Florida. I look forward to the names Graham and Nelson again appearing together on the ballot —and, together, defeating @FLGovScott" (Tweet). Retrieved October 10, 2018 – via Twitter.
  129. ^ Murphy, Stephanie [@SMurphyCongress] (June 27, 2018). "The Supreme Court is a reminder of what's at stake every election: women's rights, civil rights, collective bargaining rights, LGBTQ rights, gun safety reform, immigration reform, redistricting reform & much more. Support @NelsonForSenate & VOTE EVERY TIME #FlaPol #MidtermsMatter" (Tweet). Retrieved October 21, 2018 – via Twitter.
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  131. ^ Castor, Kathy [@KathyCastorFL] (August 8, 2018). "It is vitally important to send Bill Nelson back to the U.S. Senate ... for our students, our schools and Florida's future! Florida's teachers endorsed him today! @FloridaEA @HillsboroughCTA @NelsonForSenate" (Tweet). Retrieved October 10, 2018 – via Twitter.
  132. ^ "Jimmy Buffett decries an 'insane two years,' urges Floridians to vote for Andrew Gillum and Bill Nelson". Tampa Bay Times. November 3, 2018. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
  133. ^ a b c d e f Nelson, Bill [@NelsonForSenate] (November 4, 2018). "Joined @rosariodawson, @zoesaldana, @EvaLongoria, @HereIsGina, @AmericaFerrera, @ReElectNydia, and my friend @DarrenSoto in Kissimmee rallying to get out the vote! Many areas across Florida can still vote early today, find out when and where you can vote: http://nelsonforsenate.com/vote" (Tweet). Retrieved November 4, 2018 – via Twitter.
  134. ^ Lemongello, Steven (June 4, 2018). "Former Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Rosselló endorses Bill Nelson". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on June 15, 2018. Retrieved June 14, 2018.
  135. ^ a b "Barack Obama Endorses Andrew Gillum for Governor; Puerto Rico Governor Endorses Bill Nelson for Senate". WTVJ. October 1, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  136. ^ @NelsonForSenate (September 21, 2018). ".@JoseJavierJJR and @kenrussellmiami joined Nan Ellen and Grace Nelson on the campaign trail in Miami today! They visited senior centers to talk about what's at stake in this election, which not only sparked some lively conversation, but also some singing and dancing" (Tweet). Retrieved October 5, 2018 – via Twitter.
  137. ^ Smith, Carlos G. [@CarlosGSmith] (August 3, 2018). "Time to rid Florida of the red slime known as @FLGovScott by voting to re-elect @NelsonForSenate November 6th" (Tweet). Retrieved October 21, 2018 – via Twitter.
  138. ^ Jones, Shevrin [@ShevrinJones] (July 1, 2018). "Last night I had the awesome privilege of introducing @NelsonForSenate at #LeadBlue2018 – Senator Nelson has stood strong for us in DC and I look forward to us sending him back, and retiring @FLGovScott from politics. #BlueWave" (Tweet). Retrieved October 21, 2018 – via Twitter.
  139. ^ Levine, Philip (March 30, 2017). "SCHEDULE A (FEC Form 3) ITEMIZED RECEIPTS". Federal Election Commission. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  140. ^ Dyer, Buddy (June 16, 2017). "SCHEDULE A (FEC Form 3) ITEMIZED RECEIPTS". Federal Election Commission. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  141. ^ Gillum, Andrew [@AndrewGillum] (August 31, 2018). "It's an honor to stand with you, @NelsonForSenate. Let's #BringItHome for Florida!" (Tweet). Retrieved October 5, 2018 – via Twitter.
  142. ^ Leibowitz, Jonathan (February 13, 2017). "SCHEDULE A (FEC Form 3) ITEMIZED RECEIPTS". Federal Election Commission. Retrieved October 9, 2018.