A new poll from Global Strategy Group shows Eric Lynn leading his Democratic Primary opponents in name recognition and favorability in the race for Florida’s 13th Congressional District.
The former national security advisor under President Barack Obama was familiar to 35% of respondents and favored by 30%. One opponent, state Rep. Ben Diamond was familiar to 28% and favorable to 25%. State Rep. Michele Rayner meanwhile was familiar to 29% of respondents and favored by 24%.
“Eric Lynn is the best candidate to protect this seat, and this poll shows that,” said Andrew Bernucca, Lynn’s campaign manager. “Our message is resonating and translating to a broad coalition of support that will carry us to victory in the primary and general elections. That’s exactly what is needed to win in 2022.”
Bernucca said recent spending increases by the Lynn campaign have “moved the needle” to solidify Lynn’s lead. He said those specific numbers aren’t available. He added a financial update will be released by the campaign next week, ahead of the Jan. 31 financial disclosure deadline.
Florida’s CD 13 race will be one of the most closely watched in the 2020 midterms. Crist is leaving a seat previously long held by Republicans that could shift the balance of power in Washington if Democrats lose it.
The winner of the Democratic Primary will face off against either Air Force veteran Anna Paulina Luna, former Lisa Murkowski advisor Amanda Makki or nonprofit founder Audrey Henson.
Makki lost the Republican Primary to Luna in 2020. Crist then beat Luna in the General Election with 53% of the vote.
Democrats have a voter registration advantage of 20,000 over Republicans in the district. But Republican presence has been growing since the GOP lost the seat to Crist.
“This race is absolutely critical to protecting our Democratic majority in 2022,” Lynn said. “This poll shows that our message is connecting with Democrats across the district, and that we are in the best position to motivate Democrats, get them out to vote, and keep this seat blue in 2022.”
