JACKSONVILLE, FL — A new poll from the University of North Florida confirms what many Jacksonville residents already feel every day: Mayor Donna Deegan is leading with vision, purpose, and tangible results — and voters are standing with her.

The UNF Public Opinion Research Lab shows Mayor Deegan with a 61% job approval rating, a remarkably steady number from this time last year. Her approval has held strong through major attacks from a Republican-controlled City Council, whose own approval has plummeted to just 42%, with a 53% disapproval rating. 

“While the Mayor rolls up her sleeves to solve real problems, too many on the Council are busy chasing headlines, picking fights, and putting on a political circus — and the voters are done with the show,” said Duval Dems Chair Daniel Henry. “She listens. She acts. She delivers. And the people are taking notice.”

The poll reveals several key findings:

— Approval for Mayor Deegan remains rock-solid at 61%, with support across party lines and communities. This follows her debut year in office, where she entered with 63% approval, a historic benchmark for a first-time mayor facing big-ticket challenges.

— The Republican-controlled City Council’s approval has tanked — voters are fed up with the drama. Council approval is now underwater, with 53% disapproval and just 42% approval—a sharp drop from last year’s 48%. As Dr. Michael Binder noted, “Maybe voters are tired of the petty partisan squabbling.” Jacksonville is favoring results over political theater.

— For the first time in years, housing has overtaken crime as Jacksonville voters’ #1 concern. Mayor Deegan has made it a core focus—investing millions to expand affordable housing, protect renters, and add 5,000 below-market units. At the same time, her proactive approach to homelessness led to a 49% drop in the unhoused population, thanks to expanded shelter capacity and a dedicated outreach team.

— Voters continue to favor common-sense safety measures, with 76% supporting a ban on concealed weapons in City Hall — including 68% of Republicans, affirming strong bipartisan alignment on this issue.

“This isn’t just about polling numbers — it’s about results,” said Duval Dems Vice Chair Hanna Moore. “Voters are rewarding real leadership. From securing the Jaguars for another 30 years, to negotiating the largest Community Benefits Agreement in NFL history, to delivering fair pay and pensions for our first responders — Mayor Donna Deegan is winning big for this city and never losing sight of who she’s fighting for.”