# 2018 United States Senate election in Florida

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vte :
The 2018 United States Senate election in Florida was held on November 6, 2018, alongside a gubernatorial election, elections to the U.S. House of Representatives and other state and local elections. Incumbent Democratic senator Bill Nelson ran for re-election to a fourth term, but was narrowly defeated by Republican governor Rick Scott. The election was the closest Senate race in the state's history.
This was one of ten Democratic-held Senate seats up for election in a state won by Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election. The results of the race were in dispute for 12 days following the election. The results showed that Nelson was narrowly trailing Scott, but the margin remained below 0.5%, triggering an automatic recount under Florida law. A controversial recount ensued, with both campaigns claiming irregularities. Following the recount, Florida elections officials confirmed Scott's victory on November 18, 2018. Scott received 50.05% of the vote, while Nelson received 49.93%; the margin of victory was 10,033 votes out of 8.19 million votes cast, or 0.12%. Both in terms of raw vote margin and by percentage of difference, this was the closest Senate election in the 2018 cycle. Scott's victory marked the first time since the Reconstruction era in 1875 that Republicans have held both Senate seats in Florida, making it the last former Confederate State to do so.

## Background

Incumbent Democratic Senator Bill Nelson sought re-election in the 2018 U.S. Senate election in Florida. The election was expected to be a key race in determining which party would control the U.S. Senate in 2019.
As of the second quarter of 2018, Nelson had a 44%–34% approval rating among his constituents. Despite having won re-election in 2012 by a 13% margin, Nelson was considered potentially vulnerable; he had been the only statewide elected Democrat in Florida since 2011, and his previous opponents, Connie Mack IV and Katherine Harris, were seen as much weaker challengers than Scott. Additionally, he was one of 10 incumbent Democratic senators running in states that had been carried by Donald Trump in 2016. Nelson was described as a "low-key centrist" that might not be able to energize progressive voters.
After being encouraged by President Trump to enter the Senate race, Republican governor of Florida Rick Scott announced his candidacy on April 9, 2018. As of the first quarter of 2018, Scott held a 54%–35% approval rating among his constituents, with a majority of Florida voters believing the state was moving in the right direction under Scott's administration. Republican President Donald Trump also held a positive approval rating of 49%–47% in Florida as of August 2018. Trump had won the state in 2016 by 1.2% over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Scott had put more than $86 million of his own money into his successful 2010 and 2014 gubernatorial bids.

## Republican primary

The Republican primary was considered merely a formality, as Governor Scott's lone challenger was a perennial candidate who was running for Senate seats in eight other Republican primaries across the country. No other notable Republicans entered the race before or after Scott announced his candidacy.

### Candidates
#### Nominee

* Rick Scott, incumbent governor of Florida

#### Eliminated in the primary

* Rocky De La Fuente, businessman and perennial candidate; American Delta and Reform nominee for president in 2016

#### Withdrew

* Virginia Fuller, registered nurse; Republican nominee for U.S. representative from CA-11 in 2012
* Alexander George, businessman, political activist, and minister; candidate for U.S. Senate in 2012
* Augustus Sol Invictus, far-right activist; candidate for U.S. Senate in 2016
* Lateresa Jones, life coach; Independent candidate for lieutenant governor in 2014 and U.S. Senate in 2016 (running as a write-in candidate)
* Martin Mikhail
* Mike Pompura
* Joseph Smith, chiropractor; candidate for U.S. Senate in 1988 and FL-19 in 1996; Republican nominee for FL-16 in 1988
* Marcia R. Thorne, pastor (ran as an Independent)
* Angela Marie Walls-Windhauser, candidate for U.S. Senate in 2016 (ran as a write-in candidate)

#### Declined

* Jeff Atwater, Chief Financial Officer 2011–2017
* Carlos Beruff, real estate developer and Republican donor; candidate for U.S. Senate in 2016
* Pam Bondi, Attorney General since 2011
* Richard Corcoran, State Representative (District 37) since 2010; Speaker of the Florida House since 2016
* John Delaney, mayor of Jacksonville 1995–2003
* Ron DeSantis, U.S. representative from FL-6 2013–2018; candidate for U.S. Senate in 2016 (running for governor)
* Hulk Hogan, semi-retired professional wrestler, actor, television personality, entrepreneur, and musician
* David Jolly, U.S. representative from FL-13 2014–2017; candidate for U.S. Senate in 2016
* Carlos Lopez-Cantera, lieutenant governor since 2014; candidate for U.S. Senate in 2016
* Tom Rooney, U.S. representative from FL-17 since 2009

### Polling

| Poll source | Date(s) administered | Sample size | Margin of error | Rocky De La Fuente | Rick Scott | Undecided |
| Gravis Marketing | August 21–25, 2018 | 579 | ± 4.1% | 12% | 73% | 15% |
| Gravis Marketing | August 21–22, 2018 | 321 | ± 5.5% | 12% | 73% | 15% |
| Gravis Marketing | July 13–14, 2018 | 905 | ± 3.3% | 16% | 74% | 10% |
| Poll source | Date(s) administered | Sample size | Margin of error | Ron DeSantis | Augustus Sol Invictus | David Jolly | Carlos López-Cantera | Tom Rooney | Rick Scott | Marcia R. Thorne | Other | Undecided |
| Saint Leo University | November 19–24, 2017 | 166 | – | – | 1% | – | – | 8% | 54% | 1% | 4% | 33% |
| Saint Leo University | November 27–30, 2016 | 138 | – | 3% | – | 6% | 3% | 3% | 41% | – | 11% | 33% |

### Results

Republican primary results :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Rick Scott | 1,456,187 | 88.61% |
| | Republican | Rocky De La Fuente | 187,209 | 11.39% |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 1,643,396 | 100.00% |

## Democratic primary

As both of Senator Nelson's primary opponents failed to qualify for the ballot, no Democratic primary was held.

### Candidates
#### Nominee

* Bill Nelson, incumbent U.S. senator since 2001; U.S. representative from FL-11 1979–1991

#### Declined

* Randolph Bracy, State Senator (District 11) since 2016
* Tim Canova, law professor; candidate for FL-23 in 2016 (running for FL-23)
* Pam Keith, Navy veteran, labor attorney; candidate for U.S. Senate in 2016 (running for FL-18)

#### Failed to qualify

* Tamika Lyles
* Randy White

## Libertarian Party
### Candidates
#### Withdrew

* Joe Wendt, janitor

#### Declined

* Augustus Sol Invictus, far-right activist; candidate for U.S. Senate in 2016 (ran as a Republican)
* Roger Stone, political consultant, lobbyist, and strategist

## American Independent Party
### Candidates
#### Withdrew

* Ed Shoemaker, psychologist (ran for FL-15)

## Independents and write-ins
### Candidates
#### Declared

* Lateresa Jones, life coach; candidate for lieutenant governor in 2014 and U.S. Senate in 2016 (write-in)
* Howard Knepper, businessman and real estate developer; candidate for president in 2012 (write-in)
* Michael S. Levinson, candidate for FL-13 in 2014 and the 2014 special election (write-in)
* Charles Frederick Tolbert, pastor (write-in)
* David Weeks (write-in)

#### Withdrew

* Edward Janowski
* Scott McCatty (write-in)
* Marcia R. Thorne, pastor
* Angela Marie Walls-Windhauser, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in 2016 (write-in)

## General election

According to The Cook Political Report, the race was one of the 10 most competitive U.S. Senate races in the nation. It was also described as the most expensive U.S. Senate race in the country.
Scott's involvement in a large Medicare fraud case stirred controversy during the general election campaign. Scott responded with ads accusing Nelson of having cut Medicare benefits and stolen from Medicare; fact-checkers found that both of Scott's assertions were "mostly false." During the campaign, Scott characterize[s] Nelson as a "socialist"; PolitiFact described the assertion as "pants-on-fire" false.
Gun control was a key issue in this race. The election came less than nine months after the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland. Nelson also mentioned the Orlando nightclub shooting that occurred in June 2016 and killed 49 people, asserting that "nothing was done" by Scott's administration. In the wake of Stoneman Douglas, Scott raised the age to purchase a gun from 18 to 21, set a three-day waiting period to purchase assault-style weapons, and banned bump stocks—moves that Nelson described as "doing the bare...minimum". The National Rifle Association of America opposed Scott's legislation.
Environmental issues also took on a prominent role in the race. Scott and his administration had been heavily criticized for weakening regulations designed to protect the environment, even going as far as to instruct the FDEP not to use the words "climate change" or "global warming" in official reports. Because of this, Scott was blamed for the state's worsening algae blooms, even being dubbed "Red Tide Rick" on social media. Scott blamed the toxic blooms on Nelson and on Congress' general inefficiency.
During the campaign, Scott sought to avoid mentioning President Trump and at times criticized or distanced himself from actions of the Trump administration. Prior to the campaign, he had used his friendship with Trump to boost his profile, had been an early and vocal supporter of Trump in 2016, and reportedly spoke to President Trump every one or two weeks. Trump endorsed Scott in his Senate bid.
Both Nelson's and Scott's responses to Hurricanes Irma and Michael (which made landfall in September 2017 and October 2018, respectively) were closely watched during the campaign season.
Scott made Nelson's age an issue in the campaign.
A 2024 study found that the confusing ballot design in Broward County, which flouted federal guidelines on ballot design, led approximately 25,000 voters to undervote in the 2018 Senate election. As the race was determined by less than 10,000 votes, some have speculated that the ballot design flaws contributed to the election outcome. However, the study concluded that this was unlikely to be the case.

### Debates

* Complete video of debate, October 2, 2018

### Endorsements
#### U.S. executive branch officials

* George W. Bush, 43rd president of the United States 2001–2009; governor of Texas 1995–2000
* Mike Pence, 48th vice president of the United States 2017–2021; governor of Indiana 2013–2017; U.S. representative from IN-6 2001–2013
* Donald Trump, 45th president of the United States 2017–2021

#### U.S. senators

* John Cornyn, U.S. senator from Texas 2002–present
* Joni Ernst, U.S. senator from Iowa 2015–present
* Cory Gardner, U.S. senator from Colorado 2015–2021; U.S. representative from CO-4 2011–2015
* Lindsey Graham, U.S. senator from South Carolina 2003–present; U.S. representative from SC-3 1995–2003; candidate for president in 2016
* Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority Leader, U.S. senator from Kentucky 1985–present
* Marco Rubio, U.S. senator from Florida 2011–present; candidate for president in 2016
* Tim Scott, U.S. senator from South Carolina 2013–present; U.S. representative from SC-1 2011–2013
* Todd Young, U.S. senator from Indiana 2017–present; U.S. representative from IN-9 2011–2017

#### U.S. representatives

* Ron DeSantis, U.S. representative from FL-6 2013–2018; Republican nominee for governor in 2018
* Mario Díaz-Balart, U.S. representative from FL-25 2003–present
* Neal Dunn, U.S. representative from FL-2 2017–present
* Luis Fortuño, resident commissioner of Puerto Rico 2005–2009; governor 2009–2013 (New Progressive)
* Matt Gaetz, U.S. representative from FL-1 2017–present
* Jenniffer González, resident ccmmissioner of Puerto Rico 2017–present
* Kevin McCarthy, House Majority Leader, U.S. representative from CA-23 2007–present
* Carlos Romero Barceló, resident commissioner of Puerto Rico 1993–2001; governor 1977–1985; mayor of San Juan 1969–1977 (New Progressive)
* Francis Rooney, U.S. representative from FL-19 2017–2021

#### Governors

* Haley Barbour, governor of Mississippi 2004–2012; Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in 1982
* Jeb Bush, governor of Florida 1999–2007; candidate for president in 2016

#### Statewide and territorial officials

* Pam Bondi, Attorney General of Florida 2011–present
* Jimmy Patronis, Chief Financial Officer of Florida 2017–present
* Adam Putnam, Commissioner of Agriculture of Florida 2011–present; U.S. representative from FL-12 2001–2011; candidate for governor in 2018
* Luis G. Rivera Marín, Secretary of State of Puerto Rico 2017–2019 (New Progressive)

#### State and territorial legislators

* José Aponte Hernández, territorial representative from Puerto Rico (at-large district) 2005–present (New Progressive)
* Ángel Bulerín, territorial representative from Puerto Rico (District 37) 1993–present (New Progressive)
* Matt Caldwell, state representative from Florida (District 79) 2010–present
* Richard Corcoran, state representative from Florida (District 37) 2010–present; Speaker of the Florida House 2016–present
* Eric Correa Rivera, territorial senator from Puerto Rico (District VIII) 2017–present (New Progressive)
* Daniel Davis, state representative from Florida (District 15) 2010–2014
* Nelson del Valle, territorial representative from Puerto Rico (District 9) 2005–2009 and 2017–present (New Progressive)
* Urayoán Hernández, territorial representative from Puerto Rico (District 26) 2013–present (New Progressive)
* José Kikito Meléndez, territorial representative from Puerto Rico (at-large district) 2011–present (New Progressive)
* Miguel Laureano, territorial senator from Puerto Rico (District VII) 2017–present (New Progressive)
* Yashira Lebrón Rodríguez, territorial representative from Puerto Rico (District 8) 2014–present (New Progressive)
* Carlos Johnny Méndez, territorial representative from Puerto Rico (District 36) 2005–present; Speaker of the Puerto Rico House 2017–present (New Progressive)
* María Milagros Charbonier, territorial representative from Puerto Rico (at-large district) 2013–present (New Progressive)
* Jorge Navarro Suárez, territorial representative from Puerto Rico (District 5) 2004–present (New Progressive)
* Henry Neumann, territorial senator from Puerto Rico (District I) 2017–2022 (New Progressive)
* Víctor Parés, territorial representative from Puerto Rico (District 4) 2012–2013 (New Progressive)
* María de Lourdes Ramos Rivera, territorial representative from Puerto Rico (at-large district) 2004–present (New Progressive)
* Thomas Rivera Schatz, president of the Senate of Puerto Rico 2009–2013 and 2017–present (New Progressive)
* Gabriel Rodríguez Aguiló, territorial representative from Puerto Rico (District 13) 2005–present (New Progressive)
* Pellé Santiago, territorial representative from Puerto Rico (District 10) 2013–present (New Progressive)
* Larry Seilhamer Rodríguez, vice president of the Senate of Puerto Rico 2017–2021 (New Progressive)
* Tony Soto, territorial representative from Puerto Rico (District 6) 2013–present (New Progressive)
* José Pichy Torres Zamora, territorial representative from Puerto Rico (at-large district) 2010–2013 and 2017–present (New Progressive)
* Nayda Venegas, territorial senator from Puerto Rico (District VIII) 2017–present (New Progressive)

#### Sheriffs

* Grady Judd, sheriff of Polk County 2005–present
* William Snyder, sheriff of Martin County 2013–present

#### Mayors

* Angelo Cruz Ramos, mayor of Ceiba, Puerto Rico 2013–present (New Progressive)
* Edwin García Feliciano, mayor of Camuy, Puerto Rico 2002–present (New Progressive)
* Rudy Giuliani, mayor of New York City, New York 1994–2001; candidate for U.S. Senate in 2000; candidate for president in 2008
* Noé Marcano, mayor of Naguabo, Puerto Rico 2013–present (New Progressive)
* Carlos Méndez Martínez, mayor of Aquadilla, Puerto Rico 1997–present (New Progressive)
* Carlos Molina, mayor of Arecibo, Puerto Rico 2013–present (New Progressive)
* Angel Pérez Otero, mayor of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico 2017–present (New Progressive)
* Ramón Luis Rivera Jr., mayor of Bayamón, Puerto Rico 2001–present (New Progressive)

#### Municipal officials

* Erick Erickson, Macon, Georgia city councilman 2007–2011

#### Individuals

* Charles R. Black Jr., chairman of Prime Policy Group
* Dan Bongino, conservative commentator and former Secret Service agent; candidate for FL-19 in 2016; Republican nominee for U.S. Senate from Maryland in 2012 and MD-6 in 2014
* Diamond and Silk, live-stream video bloggers, social media personalities, and political activists
* Kyle Kashuv, survivor of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting and activist
* Jack Nicklaus, retired professional golfer
* Ryan Petty, school safety activist
* Andrew Pollack, school safety activist
* Hunter Pollack, school safety activist

#### Organizations

* Associated Builders and Contractors
* Club for Growth
* Florida Chamber of Commerce
* National Federation of Independent Business
* Republican Jewish Coalition
* United States Chamber of Commerce

#### Newspapers

* The Jewish Press

#### U.S. executive branch officials

* Joe Biden, 46th president of the United States 2021–present; 47th vice president of the United States 2009–2017; U.S. senator from Delaware 1973–2009; candidate for president in 1988 and in 2008
* Charles Bolden, administrator of NASA 2009–2017
* Barack Obama, 44th president of the United States 2009–2017; U.S. senator from Illinois 2005–2008
* Daniel B. Shapiro, U.S. Ambassador to Israel 2011–2017

#### U.S. senators

* Cory Booker, U.S. senator from New Jersey 2013–present; mayor of Newark 2006–2013
* Dick Durbin, U.S. senator from Illinois 1997–present; Senate Minority Whip, U.S. representative from IL-20 1983–1997
* Bob Graham, U.S. senator from Florida 1987–2005; governor 1979–1987; candidate for president in 2004
* Kamala Harris, 49th vice president of the United States 2021–present; U.S. senator from California 2017–2021
* Doug Jones, U.S. senator from Alabama 2018–2021
* Jeff Merkley, U.S. senator from Oregon 2009–present
* Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader, U.S. senator from New York
* Elizabeth Warren, U.S. senator from Massachusetts 2013–present

#### U.S. representatives

* Kathy Castor, U.S. representative from FL-14 2007–present
* Lois Frankel, U.S. representative from FL-21 2013–present
* Gwen Graham, U.S. representative from FL-2 2015–2017
* Stephanie Murphy, U.S. representative from FL-7 2017–present
* Darren Soto, U.S. representative from FL-9 2017–present
* Nydia Velázquez, U.S. representative from NY-7 1993–present

#### Governors

* Alejandro García Padilla, governor of Puerto Rico 2013–2017 (Popular Democratic)
* Pedro Rosselló, governor of Puerto Rico 1993–2001 (New Progressive)
* Ricardo Rosselló, governor of Puerto Rico 2017–2019 (New Progressive)

#### Statewide and territorial officials

* Kenneth McClintock, Secretary of State of Puerto Rico 2009–2013

#### State legislators

* Shevrin D. Jones, state representative from Florida (District 101) 2012–present
* José Javier Rodríguez, state senator from Florida (District 37) 2016–present
* Carlos Guillermo Smith, state representative from Florida (District 49) 2016–present
* Victor M. Torres Jr., state senator from Florida (District 15) 2016–present

#### Mayors

* Buddy Dyer, mayor of Orlando 2003–present
* Andrew Gillum, mayor of Tallahassee 2014–present; Democratic nominee for governor in 2018
* Philip Levine, mayor of Miami Beach 2013–2017; candidate for governor in 2018
* María Meléndez, mayor of Ponce, Puerto Rico 2009–present (New Progressive)
* Carmen Yulín Cruz, mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico 2013–present (Popular Democratic)

#### Other government officials

* Jon Leibowitz, chairman of the FTC 2009–2013

#### Individuals

* Jimmy Buffett, musician, songwriter, author, actor, and businessman
* Rosario Dawson, actress, producer, singer, comic book writer, and political activist
* America Ferrera, actress
* Jeff Greene, real estate entrepreneur; candidate for U.S. Senate in 2010 and governor in 2018
* Fred Guttenberg, activist against gun violence
* Mark Kelly, retired astronaut, engineer, and U.S. Navy Captain
* Eva Longoria, actress, producer, director, activist, and businesswoman
* Bette Midler, singer, songwriter, actress, comedian, and film producer
* Carolyn Porco, planetary scientist
* Gina Rodriguez, actress and activist
* Zoe Saldana, actress and dancer
* Amy Schumer, stand-up comedian and actress
* Amy Siskind, activist and writer
* Barbra Streisand, singer, songwriter, actress, and filmmaker
* Donald Sussman, financier and philanthropist
* Gabrielle Union, actress, activist, and author

#### Organizations

* Alliance for Retired Americans
* American Federation of Teachers
* American Gastroenterological Association
* American Health Care Association
* American Hotel and Lodging Association
* American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
* American Seniors Housing Association
* American Trucking Associations
* Coalition to Stop Gun Violence
* End Citizens United
* Florida AFL–CIO
* Forward Together PAC
* International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
* International Union of Painters and Allied Trades
* League of Conservation Voters
* Midwest Values PAC
* National Apartment Association
* National Association of Broadcasters
* National Association of Enrolled Agents
* National Association of Letter Carriers
* National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare
* National Organization for Women
* Natural Resources Defense Council
* Planned Parenthood
* Service Employees International Union
* Sierra Club
* Transport Workers Union of America
* VoteVets.org

#### Newspapers

* La Gaceta
* Miami Herald
* Orlando Sentinel
* The Palm Beach Post
* Sun-Sentinel
* Tampa Bay Times

#### Newspapers

* Naples Daily News
* Pensacola News Journal

### Predictions

| Source | Ranking | As of |
| The Cook Political Report | Tossup | October 26, 2018 |
| Inside Elections | Tilt D | November 1, 2018 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball | Lean D | November 5, 2018 |
| NYT | Tossup | November 5, 2018 |
| Fox News | Tossup | November 5, 2018 |
| CNN | Tossup | November 5, 2018 |
| RealClearPolitics | Tossup | November 5, 2018 |
| Daily Kos | Tossup | November 5, 2018 |
| Politico | Tossup | November 5, 2018 |
| FiveThirtyEight | Lean D | November 5, 2018 |

### Fundraising

Campaign finance reports as of October 17, 2018 :
| Candidate (party) | Total receipts | Total disbursements | Cash on hand |
| Rick Scott (R) | $68,801,011 | $66,496,248 | $2,304,762 |
| Bill Nelson (D) Incumbent | $28,294,713 | $25,482,421 | $3,806,614 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission ||||

### Polling

| Poll source | Date(s) administered | Sample size | Margin of error | Bill Nelson (D) | Rick Scott (R) | Other | Undecided |
| The Trafalgar Group (R) | November 4–5, 2018 | 1,484 | ± 2.5% | 47% | 49% | – | 4% |
| HarrisX | November 3–5, 2018 | 600 | ± 4.0% | 48% | 48% | – | – |
| St. Pete Polls | November 3–4, 2018 | 3,088 | ± 1.8% | 50% | 46% | – | 4% |
| HarrisX | November 2–4, 2018 | 600 | ± 4.0% | 45% | 49% | – | – |
| Quinnipiac University | October 29 – November 4, 2018 | 1,142 | ± 3.5% | 51% | 44% | 0% | 5% |
| Emerson College | November 1–3, 2018 | 784 | ± 3.7% | 50% | 45% | 3% | 3% |
| HarrisX | November 1–3, 2018 | 600 | ± 4.0% | 45% | 47% | – | – |
| Research Co. | November 1–3, 2018 | 450 | ± 4.6% | 47% | 46% | – | 7% |
| Change Research (D-Reason to Believe PAC) | November 1–2, 2018 | 1,236 | – | 50% | 48% | – | – |
| St. Pete Polls | November 1–2, 2018 | 2,733 | ± 1.9% | 48% | 49% | – | 3% |
| HarrisX | October 31 – November 2, 2018 | 600 | ± 4.0% | 46% | 48% | – | – |
| Marist College | October 30 – November 2, 2018 | 595 LV | ± 5.0% | 50% | 46% | <1% | 4% |
| Marist College | October 30 – November 2, 2018 | 917 RV | ± 4.1% | 50% | 45% | <1% | 5% |
| Gravis Marketing | October 29 – November 2, 2018 | 753 | ± 3.6% | 50% | 47% | – | 4% |
| HarrisX | October 30 – November 1, 2018 | 600 | ± 4.0% | 45% | 50% | – | – |
| St. Pete Polls | October 30–31, 2018 | 2,470 | ± 2.0% | 49% | 47% | – | 3% |
| Targoz Market Research | October 28–31, 2018 | 558 | – | 45% | 49% | – | 6% |
| HarrisX | October 29–31, 2018 | 600 | ± 4.0% | 45% | 48% | – | – |
| MWR Research/Consumer Energy Alliance | October 25–31, 2020 | 1,005 | – | 41% | 43% | – | 17% |
| The Trafalgar Group (R) | October 29–30, 2018 | 2,543 | ± 1.9% | 49% | 47% | – | 4% |
| Vox Populi Polling | October 27–30, 2018 | 696 | ± 3.7% | 50% | 50% | – | – |
| HarrisX | October 24–30, 2018 | 1,400 | ± 2.6% | 43% | 44% | – | – |
| Cygnal (R) | October 27–29, 2018 | 495 | ± 4.4% | 50% | 48% | – | 2% |
| CNN/SSRS | October 24–29, 2018 | 781 LV | ± 4.3% | 49% | 47% | 0% | 2% |
| CNN/SSRS | October 24–29, 2018 | 887 RV | ± 4.0% | 46% | 46% | 0% | 5% |
| Suffolk University | October 25–28, 2018 | 500 | ± 4.4% | 45% | 43% | – | 10% |
| NYT Upshot/Siena College | October 23–27, 2018 | 737 | ± 4.0% | 48% | 44% | – | 8% |
| University of North Florida | October 23–26, 2018 | 1,051 | ± 3.0% | 47% | 46% | <1% | 7% |
| YouGov | October 23–26, 2018 | 991 | ± 4.0% | 46% | 46% | 1% | 6% |
| Ipsos | October 17–25, 2018 | 1,069 | ± 3.4% | 49% | 44% | 3% | 4% |
| Gravis Marketing | October 22–23, 2018 | 773 | ± 3.5% | 49% | 45% | – | 6% |
| Strategic Research Associates | October 16–23, 2018 | 800 | ± 3.5% | 46% | 45% | – | 9% |
| Saint Leo University | October 16–22, 2018 | 698 | ± 3.5% | 47% | 38% | 6% | 9% |
| St. Pete Polls | October 20–21, 2018 | 1,575 | ± 2.5% | 48% | 49% | – | 3% |
| Florida Atlantic University | October 18–21, 2018 | 704 | ± 3.6% | 41% | 42% | 4% | 13% |
| SurveyUSA | October 18–21, 2018 | 665 | ± 5.0% | 49% | 41% | 4% | 6% |
| Quinnipiac University | October 17–21, 2018 | 1,161 | ± 3.5% | 52% | 46% | 0% | 2% |
| Schroth, Eldon and Associates (D) | October 17–20, 2018 | 600 | ± 4.0% | 45% | 47% | – | 9% |
| CNN/SSRS | October 16–20, 2018 | 759 LV | ± 4.2% | 50% | 45% | 0% | 3% |
| CNN/SSRS | October 16–20, 2018 | 872 RV | ± 3.9% | 49% | 45% | 0% | 4% |
| OnMessage Inc. (R-Scott) | October 14–18, 2018 | 2,200 | ± 2.1% | 46% | 51% | – | 3% |
| St. Pete Polls | October 15–16, 2018 | 1,974 | ± 2.2% | 47% | 49% | – | 4% |
| Florida Southern College | October 1–5, 2018 | 476 | ± 4.5% | 44% | 46% | 6% | 4% |
| Kaiser Family Foundation/SSRS | September 19 – October 2, 2018 | 522 | ± 6.0% | 48% | 45% | 1% | 6% |
| St. Pete Polls | September 29–30, 2018 | 2,313 | ± 2.0% | 47% | 47% | – | 6% |
| Public Policy Polling (D-Protect Our Care) | September 28–30, 2018 | 779 | ± 3.5% | 48% | 44% | – | 9% |
| Strategic Research Associates | September 17–30, 2018 | 800 | ± 3.5% | 45% | 44% | – | 11% |
| Mason-Dixon | September 24–27, 2018 | 815 | ± 3.5% | 47% | 46% | – | 7% |
| Quinnipiac University | September 20–24, 2018 | 888 | ± 4.0% | 53% | 46% | 0% | 1% |
| Cherry Communications | September 19–24, 2018 | 622 | ± 4.4% | 48% | 46% | – | – |
| Marist College | September 16–20, 2018 | 600 LV | ± 4.7% | 48% | 45% | 1% | 6% |
| Marist College | September 16–20, 2018 | 829 RV | ± 4.0% | 48% | 43% | 1% | 7% |
| University of North Florida | September 17–19, 2018 | 603 | – | 45% | 45% | 1% | 9% |
| Florida Atlantic University | September 13–16, 2018 | 850 | ± 3.3% | 41% | 42% | 5% | 11% |
| Ipsos | September 5–12, 2018 | 1,000 | ± 4.0% | 45% | 46% | 4% | 6% |
| Rasmussen Reports | September 10–11, 2018 | 800 | ± 3.5% | 45% | 44% | 5% | 6% |
| SurveyUSA | September 7–9, 2018 | 634 | ± 5.3% | 44% | 46% | 4% | 7% |
| Quinnipiac University | August 30 – September 3, 2018 | 785 | ± 4.3% | 49% | 49% | 0% | 2% |
| Gravis Marketing | August 29–30, 2018 | 1,225 | ± 2.8% | 47% | 47% | – | 6% |
| Public Policy Polling (D-EDGE Comms.) | August 29–30, 2018 | 743 | ± 4.0% | 46% | 45% | – | 8% |
| St. Pete Polls | August 29–30, 2018 | 1,755 | ± 2.3% | 47% | 47% | – | 5% |
| Florida Atlantic University | August 16–20, 2018 | 800 | ± 3.4% | 39% | 45% | – | 17% |
| Saint Leo University | August 10–16, 2018 | 500 | ± 4.5% | 36% | 40% | 8% | 15% |
| Mason-Dixon | July 24–25, 2018 | 625 | ± 4.0% | 44% | 47% | – | 9% |
| Florida Atlantic University | July 20–21, 2018 | 800 | ± 3.4% | 40% | 44% | – | 17% |
| Gravis Marketing | July 13–14, 2018 | 1,840 | ± 2.3% | 47% | 43% | – | 10% |
| SurveyMonkey/Axios | June 11 – July 2, 2018 | 1,080 | ± 5.0% | 46% | 49% | – | 5% |
| YouGov | June 19–22, 2018 | 839 LV | – | 41% | 46% | 6% | 6% |
| YouGov | June 19–22, 2018 | 996 RV | ± 3.5% | 40% | 42% | 6% | 9% |
| Marist College | June 17–21, 2018 | 947 | ± 3.9% | 49% | 45% | 1% | 5% |
| Public Policy Polling (D-EDGE Comms.) | June 18–19, 2018 | 1,308 | ± 3.2% | 48% | 46% | – | 7% |
| Gravis Marketing | May 31 – June 15, 2018 | 1,251 | ± 2.8% | 50% | 40% | – | 10% |
| Cherry Communications | May 25 – June 4, 2018 | 605 | ± 4.0% | 45% | 48% | – | 5% |
| Saint Leo University | May 25–31, 2018 | 506 | ± 4.5% | 34% | 40% | 8% | 18% |
| Morning Consult | May 29–30, 2018 | 1,199 | ± 3.0% | 39% | 40% | – | – |
| Florida Atlantic University | May 4–7, 2018 | 728 LV | – | 45% | 45% | – | – |
| Florida Atlantic University | May 4–7, 2018 | 1,000 RV | ± 3.0% | 40% | 44% | – | 16% |
| Public Policy Polling (D-Levine) | April 10–11, 2018 | 661 | ± 3.9% | 50% | 44% | – | 6% |
| Gravis Marketing | February 26 – March 19, 2018 | 2,212 | ± 2.1% | 44% | 40% | – | 16% |
| McLaughlin & Associates (R-NR PAC) | March 10–13, 2018 | 800 | ± 3.4% | 46% | 47% | – | 6% |
| Clearview Research | March 1–7, 2018 | 750 | ± 3.6% | 41% | 43% | – | 16% |
| SurveyMonkey/Axios | February 12 – March 5, 2018 | 1,806 | ± 5.0% | 53% | 43% | – | 4% |
| Quinnipiac University | February 23–26, 2018 | 1,156 | ± 3.6% | 46% | 42% | 2% | 9% |
| Florida Atlantic University | February 23–25, 2018 | 800 | ± 3.6% | 40% | 38% | – | 22% |
| Saint Leo University | February 18–24, 2018 | 500 | ± 4.5% | 35% | 42% | 9% | 15% |
| Gravis Marketing | February 1–18, 2018 | 1,978 | ± 2.2% | 44% | 40% | – | 16% |
| Florida Atlantic University | February 1–4, 2018 | 750 | ± 3.7% | 34% | 44% | – | 22% |
| University of North Florida | January 29 – February 4, 2018 | 429 | ± 4.7% | 48% | 42% | 2% | 7% |
| Mason-Dixon | January 30 – February 1, 2018 | 625 | ± 4.0% | 45% | 44% | – | 11% |
| Dixie Strategies | January 9–10, 2018 | 785 | ± 3.5% | 38% | 35% | – | 27% |
| Gravis Marketing | December 19–24, 2017 | 5,778 | ± 1.3% | 44% | 39% | – | 17% |
| Saint Leo University | November 19–24, 2017 | 500 | ± 4.5% | 32% | 42% | 8% | 18% |
| Mason-Dixon | October 17–19, 2017 | 625 | ± 4.0% | 44% | 44% | – | 12% |
| University of North Florida | October 11–17, 2017 | 706 | ± 3.4% | 37% | 36% | 7% | 20% |
| Cherry Communications | September 17–24, 2017 | 615 | ± 4.0% | 45% | 47% | – | 8% |
| Saint Leo University | September 10–16, 2017 | 500 | ± 4.5% | 33% | 35% | 11% | 21% |
| Florida Atlantic University | August 24–26, 2017 | 800 | ± 4.0% | 42% | 40% | – | 18% |
| Gravis Marketing | April 4–10, 2017 | 1,243 | ± 2.8% | 56% | 28% | – | 16% |
| Gravis Marketing | March 28–29, 2017 | 1,453 | ± 2.6% | 52% | 37% | – | 12% |
| Cherry Communications | March 6–14, 2017 | 600 | ± 4.0% | 48% | 42% | – | 10% |
| Saint Leo University | March 3–11, 2017 | 507 | ± 4.5% | 39% | 34% | 10% | 17% |
| Public Opinion Strategies (R-FHA) | March 1–5, 2017 | 600 | ± 4.0% | 46% | 44% | – | 10% |
| Mason-Dixon | February 24–28, 2017 | 625 | ± 4.0% | 46% | 41% | – | 13% |
| University of North Florida | February 13–26, 2017 | 957 | ± 3.1% | 44% | 38% | 3% | 12% |
| Gravis Marketing | November 22–25, 2016 | 3,250 | ± 2.4% | 51% | 38% | – | 11% |
| Public Policy Polling | September 4–6, 2016 | 744 | ± 3.6% | 45% | 41% | – | 14% |
| Public Policy Polling | September 11–13, 2015 | 814 | ± 3.4% | 46% | 42% | – | 12% |
| Public Policy Polling | March 19–22, 2015 | 923 | ± 3.2% | 47% | 43% | – | 10% |
with Pam Bondi
| Poll source | Date(s) administered | Sample size | Margin of error | Bill Nelson (D) | Pam Bondi (R) | Undecided |
| Gravis Marketing | November 22–25, 2016 | 3,250 | ± 2.4% | 50% | 35% | 15% |

### Initial results and recount

The results of the race were in dispute for 12 days following the election. Because Scott's lead over Nelson was less than 0.5% of the vote, an automatic recount was triggered under Florida law. A controversial recount ensued, with both campaigns claiming irregularities.
Nelson and Scott traded accusations of voter suppression and voter fraud. Two lawsuits were filed by the Scott campaign after the election against the Supervisor of Elections in both Palm Beach and Broward Counties while the Nelson campaign filed one against the secretary of state in Florida. On November 9, the Scott campaign won both of its lawsuits. Notably, election officials in Broward County had to receive police protection after accusations of voter fraud were made by a few members of Congress.
Additionally, a number of mail-in ballots were found in a mail distribution center in the city of Opa-locka three days after the election. The Miami-Dade Elections Department considered the votes uncountable because they had not arrived at the department by the time the polls closed.
The deadline for all ballots to be machine-counted was 3:00 pm EST on Thursday, November 15, 2018. The revised totals triggered a statewide hand-recount of rejected ballots. At least three counties (Broward, Hillsborough, and Palm Beach County) missed the deadline. During machine counting, 846 votes from Hillsborough County were lost, presumably due to a power outage. Machines purchased from Sequoia Voting Systems broke down, creating delays in the count of Palm Beach County votes.

### Results

Florida elections officials announced on November 18, 2018, that Scott had prevailed. Scott received 50.05% of the vote, while Nelson received 49.93%; the margin of victory was 10,033 votes out of 8.19 million votes cast. Nelson then conceded the race to Scott.
United States Senate election in Florida, 2018 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% |
| | Republican | Rick Scott | 4,099,505 | 50.05% | +7.82% |
| | Democratic | Bill Nelson (incumbent) | 4,089,472 | 49.93% | −5.30% |
| | Write-in | Write-in | 1,028 | 0.01% | N/A |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 8,190,005 | 100.00% | N/A |
| | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic | Republican gain from Democratic |

#### By county

Final results from Florida Division of Elections.
| County | Rick Scott (Republican) | Rick Scott (Republican) | Bill Nelson (Democratic) | Bill Nelson (Democratic) | Other (write-in) | Other (write-in) | Total |
| County | Votes | % | Votes | % | Votes | % | Total |
| Alachua | 40,599 | 35.27% | 74,493 | 64.71% | 20 | 0.02% | 115,112 |
| Baker | 8,579 | 81.51% | 1,945 | 18.48% | 1 | 0.01% | 10,525 |
| Bay | 46,681 | 73.62% | 16,723 | 26.37% | 7 | 0.01% | 63,411 |
| Bradford | 7,576 | 72.46% | 2,879 | 27.53% | 1 | 0.01% | 10,456 |
| Brevard | 160,305 | 56.95% | 121,112 | 43.03% | 56 | 0.02% | 281,473 |
| Broward | 211,397 | 30.92% | 472,239 | 69.08% | 0 | 0.00% | 683,636 |
| Calhoun | 3,586 | 77.64% | 1,033 | 22.36% | 0 | 0.00% | 4,619 |
| Charlotte | 52,916 | 61.20% | 33,525 | 38.78% | 16 | 0.02% | 86,457 |
| Citrus | 48,008 | 67.92% | 22,660 | 32.06% | 15 | 0.02% | 70,683 |
| Clay | 65,639 | 70.30% | 27,718 | 29.69% | 11 | 0.01% | 93,368 |
| Collier | 101,266 | 65.06% | 54,390 | 34.94% | 6 | 0.00% | 155,662 |
| Columbia | 17,234 | 69.65% | 7,505 | 30.33% | 6 | 0.02% | 24,745 |
| Desoto | 5,503 | 62.31% | 3,328 | 37.69% | 0 | 0.00% | 8,831 |
| Dixie | 4,442 | 77.06% | 1,322 | 22.94% | 0 | 0.00% | 5,764 |
| Duval | 185,904 | 49.14% | 192,381 | 50.85% | 45 | 0.01% | 378,330 |
| Escambia | 75,947 | 58.94% | 52,891 | 41.05% | 17 | 0.01% | 128,855 |
| Flagler | 31,467 | 59.49% | 21,419 | 40.49% | 11 | 0.02% | 52,897 |
| Franklin | 3,404 | 62.86% | 2,011 | 37.14% | 0 | 0.00% | 5,415 |
| Gadsden | 6,051 | 30.26% | 13,945 | 69.74% | 1 | 0.01% | 19,997 |
| Gilchrist | 5,703 | 77.74% | 1,633 | 22.26% | 0 | 0.00% | 7,336 |
| Glades | 2,666 | 69.74% | 1,156 | 30.24% | 1 | 0.03% | 3,823 |
| Gulf | 4,321 | 73.22% | 1,580 | 26.78% | 0 | 0.00% | 5,901 |
| Hamilton | 2,856 | 63.09% | 1,671 | 36.91% | 0 | 0.00% | 4,527 |
| Hardee | 4,455 | 69.93% | 1,916 | 30.07% | 0 | 0.00% | 6,371 |
| Hendry | 5,304 | 59.96% | 3,542 | 40.04% | 0 | 0.00% | 8,846 |
| Hernando | 49,501 | 61.64% | 30,798 | 38.35% | 14 | 0.02% | 80,313 |
| Highlands | 26,282 | 66.22% | 13,398 | 33.76% | 6 | 0.02% | 39,686 |
| Hillsborough | 239,641 | 45.96% | 281,661 | 54.02% | 72 | 0.01% | 521,374 |
| Holmes | 5,919 | 87.37% | 856 | 12.63% | 0 | 0.00% | 6,775 |
| Indian River | 44,798 | 60.53% | 29,195 | 39.45% | 11 | 0.01% | 74,004 |
| Jackson | 10,791 | 67.55% | 5,182 | 32.44% | 1 | 0.01% | 15,974 |
| Jefferson | 3,699 | 50.48% | 3,626 | 49.49% | 2 | 0.03% | 7,327 |
| Lafayette | 2,195 | 77.89% | 623 | 22.11% | 0 | 0.00% | 2,818 |
| Lake | 93,537 | 60.36% | 61,402 | 39.63% | 15 | 0.01% | 154,954 |
| Lee | 174,316 | 60.27% | 114,857 | 39.71% | 41 | 0.01% | 289,214 |
| Leon | 48,767 | 34.86% | 91,097 | 65.12% | 34 | 0.02% | 139,898 |
| Levy | 11,658 | 68.66% | 5,319 | 31.33% | 3 | 0.02% | 16,980 |
| Liberty | 2,076 | 76.66% | 632 | 23.34% | 0 | 0.00% | 2,708 |
| Madison | 4,184 | 54.99% | 3,425 | 45.01% | 0 | 0.00% | 7,609 |
| Manatee | 94,390 | 57.80% | 68,877 | 42.18% | 28 | 0.02% | 163,295 |
| Marion | 95,592 | 61.81% | 59,025 | 38.16% | 44 | 0.03% | 154,661 |
| Martin | 46,733 | 60.35% | 30,691 | 39.63% | 12 | 0.02% | 77,436 |
| Miami-Dade | 316,020 | 39.43% | 485,496 | 60.57% | 31 | 0.00% | 801,547 |
| Monroe | 18,035 | 49.97% | 18,051 | 50.02% | 4 | 0.01% | 36,090 |
| Nassau | 31,795 | 73.09% | 11,703 | 26.90% | 3 | 0.01% | 43,501 |
| Okaloosa | 60,924 | 72.66% | 22,902 | 27.31% | 19 | 0.02% | 83,845 |
| Okeechobee | 7,727 | 68.84% | 3,496 | 31.15% | 1 | 0.01% | 11,224 |
| Orange | 180,763 | 38.04% | 294,308 | 61.94% | 70 | 0.01% | 475,141 |
| Osceola | 47,898 | 41.64% | 67,123 | 58.35% | 8 | 0.01% | 115,029 |
| Palm Beach | 244,850 | 41.58% | 344,008 | 58.42% | 36 | 0.01% | 588,894 |
| Pasco | 121,212 | 57.53% | 89,447 | 42.45% | 51 | 0.02% | 210,710 |
| Pinellas | 205,935 | 47.37% | 228,712 | 52.60% | 127 | 0.03% | 434,774 |
| Polk | 138,751 | 56.74% | 105,748 | 43.24% | 45 | 0.02% | 244,544 |
| Putnam | 18,689 | 66.66% | 9,344 | 33.33% | 5 | 0.02% | 28,038 |
| Santa Rosa | 56,374 | 74.74% | 19,047 | 25.25% | 10 | 0.01% | 75,431 |
| Sarasota | 113,585 | 53.94% | 96,973 | 46.05% | 35 | 0.02% | 210,593 |
| Seminole | 97,457 | 48.98% | 101,504 | 51.01% | 31 | 0.02% | 198,992 |
| St. Johns | 85,031 | 65.07% | 45,638 | 34.92% | 12 | 0.01% | 130,681 |
| St. Lucie | 59,612 | 48.22% | 63,978 | 51.75% | 34 | 0.03% | 123,624 |
| Sumter | 52,868 | 70.92% | 21,678 | 29.08% | 3 | 0.00% | 74,549 |
| Suwannee | 11,842 | 74.53% | 4,044 | 25.45% | 2 | 0.01% | 15,888 |
| Taylor | 5,638 | 71.36% | 2,263 | 28.64% | 0 | 0.00% | 7,901 |
| Union | 3,650 | 75.30% | 1,197 | 24.70% | 0 | 0.00% | 4,847 |
| Volusia | 125,762 | 55.02% | 102,819 | 44.98% | 0 | 0.00% | 228,581 |
| Wakulla | 9,322 | 65.69% | 4,868 | 34.31% | 0 | 0.00% | 14,190 |
| Walton | 22,776 | 75.26% | 7,485 | 24.73% | 4 | 0.01% | 30,265 |
| Washington | 7,101 | 78.38% | 1,959 | 21.62% | 0 | 0.00% | 9,060 |
| Total | 4,099,505 | 50.05% | 4,089,472 | 49.93% | 1,028 | 0.01% | 8,190,005 |
Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican
* Brevard (largest municipality: Palm Bay)
* Flagler (largest municipality: Palm Coast)
* Franklin (largest municipality: Eastpoint)
* Hamilton (largest municipality: Jasper)
* Hendry (largest municipality: Clewiston)
* Hernando (largest municipality: Spring Hill)
* Jefferson (largest municipality: Monticello)
* Liberty (largest municipality: Bristol)
* Madison (largest municipality: Madison)
* Manatee (largest municipality: Bradenton)
* Marion (largest municipality: Ocala)
* Okeechobee (largest municipality: Okeechobee)
* Pasco (largest municipality: Wesley Chapel)
* Polk (largest municipality: Lakeland)
* Sarasota (largest municipality: North Port)
* Volusia (largest municipality: Deltona)

#### By congressional district

Scott won 14 of 27 congressional districts.
| District | Nelson | Scott | Representative |
| 1st | 32% | 68% | Matt Gaetz |
| 2nd | 35% | 65% | Neal Dunn |
| 3rd | 45% | 55% | Ted Yoho |
| 4th | 38% | 62% | John Rutherford |
| 5th | 65% | 35% | Al Lawson |
| 6th | 43% | 57% | Ron DeSantis |
| 6th | 43% | 57% | Michael Waltz |
| 7th | 55% | 45% | Stephanie Murphy |
| 8th | 42% | 58% | Bill Posey |
| 9th | 54% | 46% | Darren Soto |
| 10th | 63% | 37% | Val Demings |
| 11th | 35% | 65% | Daniel Webster |
| 12th | 44% | 56% | Gus Bilirakis |
| 13th | 55% | 45% | Charlie Crist |
| 14th | 59% | 41% | Kathy Castor |
| 15th | 46% | 54% | Dennis Ross |
| 15th | 46% | 54% | Ross Spano |
| 16th | 46% | 54% | Vern Buchanan |
| 17th | 38% | 62% | Tom Rooney |
| 17th | 38% | 62% | Greg Steube |
| 18th | 48% | 52% | Brian Mast |
| 19th | 38% | 62% | Francis Rooney |
| 20th | 82% | 18% | Alcee Hastings |
| 21st | 61% | 39% | Lois Frankel |
| 22nd | 60% | 40% | Ted Deutch |
| 23rd | 64% | 36% | Debbie Wasserman Schultz |
| 24th | 83% | 17% | Frederica Wilson |
| 25th | 42% | 58% | Mario Díaz-Balart |
| 26th | 54% | 46% | Carlos Curbelo |
| 26th | 54% | 46% | Debbie Mucarsel-Powell |
| 27th | 56% | 44% | Ileana Ros-Lehtinen |
| 27th | 56% | 44% | Donna Shalala |

## Analysis
### Edison Research exit poll

| Demographic subgroup | Nelson | Scott | No answer | % of voters |
| Gender |||||
| Men | 42 | 58 | N/A | 45 |
| Women | 57 | 43 | N/A | 55 |
| Age |||||
| 18–24 years old | 62 | 38 | N/A | 5 |
| 25–29 years old | 73 | 27 | N/A | 5 |
| 30–39 years old | 62 | 38 | N/A | 10 |
| 40–49 years old | 49 | 51 | N/A | 12 |
| 50–64 years old | 50 | 50 | N/A | 31 |
| 65 and older | 43 | 57 | N/A | 37 |
| Race |||||
| White | 40 | 60 | N/A | 66 |
| Black | 90 | 10 | N/A | 13 |
| Latino | 54 | 46 | N/A | 15 |
| Asian | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2 |
| Other | 67 | 33 | N/A | 4 |
| Race by gender |||||
| White men | 32 | 68 | N/A | 31 |
| White women | 47 | 53 | N/A | 35 |
| Black men | 88 | 12 | N/A | 6 |
| Black women | 91 | 9 | N/A | 8 |
| Latino men | 49 | 51 | N/A | 6 |
| Latina women | 58 | 42 | N/A | 9 |
| Others | 66 | 34 | N/A | 5 |
| Education |||||
| High school or less | 47 | 53 | N/A | 20 |
| Some college education | 51 | 49 | N/A | 25 |
| Associate degree | 47 | 53 | N/A | 15 |
| Bachelor's degree | 48 | 52 | N/A | 24 |
| Advanced degree | 58 | 42 | N/A | 16 |
| Education and race |||||
| White college graduates | 47 | 53 | N/A | 28 |
| White no college degree | 35 | 65 | N/A | 38 |
| Non-white college graduates | 64 | 36 | N/A | 12 |
| Non-white no college degree | 74 | 26 | N/A | 22 |
| Whites by education and gender |||||
| White women with college degrees | 58 | 42 | N/A | 13 |
| White women without college degrees | 40 | 60 | N/A | 22 |
| White men with college degrees | 37 | 63 | N/A | 14 |
| White men without college degrees | 27 | 73 | N/A | 17 |
| Non-whites | 70 | 30 | N/A | 34 |
| Income |||||
| Under $30,000 | 62 | 38 | N/A | 19 |
| $30,000–49,999 | 53 | 47 | N/A | 22 |
| $50,000–99,999 | 51 | 49 | N/A | 34 |
| $100,000–199,999 | 48 | 52 | N/A | 19 |
| Over $200,000 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 7 |
| Party ID |||||
| Democrats | 92 | 8 | N/A | 33 |
| Republicans | 9 | 91 | N/A | 37 |
| Independents | 55 | 45 | N/A | 30 |
| Party by gender |||||
| Democratic men | 90 | 10 | N/A | 12 |
| Democratic women | 93 | 7 | N/A | 21 |
| Republican men | 7 | 93 | N/A | 19 |
| Republican women | 11 | 89 | N/A | 18 |
| Independent men | 50 | 50 | N/A | 14 |
| Independent women | 60 | 40 | N/A | 16 |
| Ideology |||||
| Liberals | 89 | 11 | N/A | 22 |
| Moderates | 62 | 38 | N/A | 39 |
| Conservatives | 15 | 85 | N/A | 39 |
| Marital status |||||
| Married | 43 | 57 | N/A | 64 |
| Unmarried | 59 | 41 | N/A | 36 |
| Gender by marital status |||||
| Married men | 36 | 64 | N/A | 32 |
| Married women | 50 | 50 | N/A | 31 |
| Unmarried men | 48 | 52 | N/A | 14 |
| Unmarried women | 62 | 38 | N/A | 22 |
| First-time midterm election voter |||||
| Yes | 58 | 42 | N/A | 16 |
| No | 47 | 53 | N/A | 84 |
| Most important issue facing the country |||||
| Health care | 75 | 25 | N/A | 41 |
| Immigration | 17 | 83 | N/A | 29 |
| Economy | 28 | 72 | N/A | 16 |
| Gun policy | 76 | 24 | N/A | 11 |
| Area type |||||
| Urban | 56 | 44 | N/A | 42 |
| Suburban | 47 | 53 | N/A | 50 |
| Rural | 37 | 63 | N/A | 8 |
| Source: CNN |||||