As Florida Senate race tightens, National Democrats invest heavily in hopes of upset

On Monday, a new poll by Redfield & Wilton Strategies and The Telegraph showed that the Florida Senate race between Republican Rick Scott and Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell continues to narrow. The incumbent Scott currently holds a slim 3 percentage point lead, getting 44% of the support compared to her 41%.

With this in mind, The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) has decided to make a move, as Florida is one of ten battleground states which will enjoy a $25 million investment into direct voter outreach programs along with Arizona, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

Although it's unclear how much money will be flowing into the Florida race, as the investment has not been detailed by state, The Hill reports that both the Sunshine State and Texas are the two places where Democrats are expressing the most hope of upsetting Republican incumbents. This investment aims to bolster the Democratic Senate campaigns in states that will be crucial for maintaining the party's slim 51-49 Senate majority.

The DSCC's strategy includes on-the-ground organizing, phone banking, and online outreach, with particular emphasis on engaging young voters and people of color. The investment also includes hiring field organizers and conducting in-person events.

As Axios reports, the party has often overlooked Florida in the past, but this year, "citing an anticipated boost in progressive interest due to referenda on marijuana and abortion rights, party leaders have been urging national Democrats to flip the script."

The investment could not come at a better time for the Mucarsel-Powell as she has cut into Scott's advantage despite the fact that the Republican's campaign has spent nearly $12 million on advertising since the start of 2023, compared to her $4.5 million, according to AdImpact. In the Miami-Fort Lauderdale media market alone, Republican spending on the race has topped Democrats by more than $2 million.

This disparity has been similar across states as The Republican National Senatorial Committee has raised more funds than the DSCC so far, reporting $181 million compared to the Democrats' $154 million as of late July.