Florida Republicans widen lead to over 541,000 as Democrats lose a quarter million voters

By Eric Daugherty

Published Jul. 17, 2023, 11:50 a.m. ET | Updated Jul. 17, 2023

Florida GOP voter registration graphic, July 17, 2023. (Photo/Florida GOP, Twitter)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Florida Republicans now boast a more than 541,000 voter registration lead over Democrats, according to new data from the Florida Department of state.

The prime reason for the lead expansion for the Florida GOP is the massive losses among Democrats compared to Republicans, the data shows.

Since November 2022, just as Gov. Ron DeSantis was reelected by more than 19 points, Democrats lost over 247,000 voters while Republicans lost over 62,000.

Over that time frame, Republicans’ lead over Democrats expanded by over 185,000 voters.

Republicans expanded the gap by over 45,000 voters in just one month.

The new data comes after last month’s reporting marked Florida Republicans all but eclipsing the half-a-million advantage mark.

A large portion of the registration loss can occur due to the Department of State clearing out voter rolls. According to the department, in 2023 so far, more than 133,000 active and 6,800 inactive voters have been removed.

Speaking with Florida’s Voice last month, Florida GOP Chairman Christian Ziegler noted that the party has made huge strides, at one point trailing Democrats by 250,000.

“In just four and a half years, The State of Florida has gone from having about 250,000 more Registered Democrats than Registered Republicans to now over 500,000 more Republicans than Democrats,” Ziegler said.

That change represents a net 750,000 voter shift.

“[The shift] clearly showcases both the strength of the Republican Party and the expedited extinction of the Democrat Party in the Sunshine State, which cannot happen soon enough,” Ziegler continued. “Our children and grandchildren will thank us for the voter registration gains we are experiencing today.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ 2024 campaign celebrated the lead, saying Florida went from “swing” to “red” thanks to DeSantis.

“As the Republican presidential nominee, he will build the same successful coalition and win the White House, no excuses,” press secretary Bryan Griffin said.

Evan Power, vice chairman of the Florida GOP, said the party “keeps building on the ground” and that their efforts will “lead to bigger and bigger wins.”