DeSantis Draws Large Crowd for Abortion Law Signing, Fried Campaign Event Only Dozens

By Lydia Nusbaum

Published Apr. 14, 2022, 3:14 p.m. ET | Updated Apr. 14, 2022

Comparison of Gov. DeSantis (top) and Nikki Fried (bottom) Thursday events (@ChristinaPushaw, Twitter)

April 14, 2022 Updated 3:14 P.M. ET

KISSIMMEE (FCV) – While hundreds of people flocked to a church in Kissimmee to support Governor Ron DeSantis in his signing of a 15 week abortion ban, gubernatorial opponent and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried made a campaign stop that drew in just dozens.

Crowds came to support DeSantis sign a bill banning most abortions after 15 weeks in Florida.

“We are here today to protect life. We are here today to defend those who can’t defend themselves,” DeSantis said at the event that began at 10:45 a.m. Thursday.

A tale of 2 press conferences today. pic.twitter.com/1Vs91S1Qoq
— Christina Pushaw 🐊 🇺🇸 (@ChristinaPushaw) April 14, 2022

Calling @GovRonDeSantis “the most pro-life governor in the United States” from @ChrisSprowls receives a standing ovation from the crowd.

Points to combination of bills/executive orders on abortion, fatherhood and adoption as proof. pic.twitter.com/nBEZtZdAIk
— Will Robinson-Smith🚀 (@w_robinsonsmith) April 14, 2022

This is in stark contrast to Fried’s campaign stop in Pensacola an hour later that only drew in about 30 people.

I can count around 30 people here at this #Pensacola event, not including @NikkiFried’s staff. pic.twitter.com/swzJrGDScG
— Olivia Iverson (@OliviaIversonTV) April 14, 2022

“Moments ago Governor DeSantis signed an abortion ban in our state,” Fried said at the event. “That’s why we have to win.”

But polling data does not show Fried on track to become Florida’s top leader. The RealClearPolitics average polling data showed DeSantis leading at 52% with Fried at 39.2%.

The most recent data from the University of North Florida showed DeSantis with 55% of the vote while Fried polled at 32%, indicating strong support for his November reelection.