A new poll in Florida's 2018 U.S. Senate race gives Republican Rick Scott the edge in a race that he has yet to formally join.
A St. Leo University survey released Friday shows Scott with a 41.8-to-31.6-percent popularity lead over Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson.
The survey was conducted November 19-24 among 500 Floridians. The figures that resulted are a significant jump over the last nine months -- Scott was behind Nelson by four points in March.
When it came to how voters viewed Scott, over two-thirds -- nearly 61 percent -- said they viewed the governor either somewhat favorably or very favorably, an increase from 55 percent who said the same in March this year.
St. Leo pollster Frank Orlando says the Florida campaign will be one of the most-watched races in the country and could help determine the balance of power in the Senate.