UMass Lowell Political Scientist Available for Interviews
Image by K. Webster
05/24/2023
UMass Lowell political scientist John Cluverius, director of survey research for UMass Lowell’s Center for Public Opinion, is available to discuss Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his chances to become the Republican nominee, now that he has announced his candidacy for president in 2024.
“DeSantis remains untested by serious opposition and has a mixed electoral record,” Cluverius said. “He wants this race to be one-on-one against Trump, but Ted Cruz tried that strategy in 2016, and it didn’t work. Other Republicans who looked like they would sit out in 2024 are now making noise about running, hoping to draw donors and supporters that have become disaffected by DeSantis’ recent missteps and struggling poll numbers.”
Although DeSantis continues to generate headlines and dominate cable news coverage, many Republican voters know little about him, according to Cluverius.
“Despite having created a paradise for conservatives in Florida – with low taxes, business-friendly regulations, loose restrictions on gun-carry laws and a state government willing to strap up for the culture war – a good share of Republican voters either don’t know DeSantis or aren’t able to form concrete opinions about him,” Cluverius said. He is available to discuss:
He is available to discuss:
- Key differences between DeSantis and current Republican frontrunner in the race, Donald Trump
- Challenges DeSantis would face among general-election voters, should he become the Republican nominee
- Other Republican candidates who will affect the shape of the race.
An expert in research methods and state and local politics, Cluverius is an associate professor in UMass Lowell’s political science department. To arrange an interview with him, contact Emily Gowdey-Backus or Nancy Cicco.