Florida Governor Ron DeSantis delivered a pointed rebuke to Ontario Premier Doug Ford this week, publicly challenging Ford's claims about the state of Florida's tourism industry. The exchange has cast a fresh spotlight on Ford's political standing and the perennial puzzle of his electoral success.
The Populist Premier's Paradox
A recurring theme in Ontario's political discourse is the bafflement expressed by commentators over Premier Doug Ford's sustained electoral success. Many portray him as an improbable leader, suggesting only a collective lapse in judgment could explain his three consecutive majority government wins.
However, the data tells a different story. According to the latest poll from the Angus Reid Institute, released in early December 2025, only 34 per cent of Ontarians approve of Ford's performance. This places him just above Quebec's François Legault, who sits at 25 per cent, and far behind Manitoba's popular Premier Wab Kinew, who leads with a 58 per cent approval rating.
Ford's popularity did experience a temporary surge, nearing 50 per cent, during what was dubbed his "elbows up" phase. This period saw him adopt a bold, Captain Canada-style persona that resonated with some voters. Yet, this support evaporated almost as quickly as it appeared, mirroring the fleeting nature of the narrative that fueled it. Analysts note that Ford governs with an "Ontario first" approach similar to the provincial priorities championed by Danielle Smith in Alberta and François Legault in Quebec.
A Record of Governance and Inept Opposition
While Ford possesses undeniable populist skills, his record on governance is less distinguished. Critics characterize his tenure as one of muddling through, marked by significant government spending—a trait he shares with his Liberal predecessors, Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne.
The primary reason for Ford's repeated electoral victories may be less about his overwhelming popularity and more about the weakness of his rivals. The official opposition NDP and the third-party Liberals have consistently failed to land an effective blow against him at the ballot box. Their struggles echo the ineffectiveness Ford himself showed when he was in opposition against those previous Liberal governments at Queen's Park.
DeSantis Delivers a Stinging Rebuttal
The political spotlight turned south this week after Premier Ford offered unsolicited commentary on Florida's tourism economy. Speaking to reporters, Ford suggested that Canadian tourists were avoiding Florida due to a general atmosphere of unfriendliness stemming from former President Donald Trump. Ford even mentioned he was forgoing his usual winter trip to the state this year because of it.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wasted no time in responding. In a quippy retort that quickly gained traction, DeSantis highlighted his state's continuing successes. "We continue to break tourism records (and win Stanley Cups)," the governor remarked, delivering a clear dunk on the Ontario premier's claims.
While this single exchange is unlikely to cause lasting damage to Ford, it serves as a stark example of how the premier can be effectively challenged. Political observers suggest that when Ford's political reckoning eventually arrives, it may well resemble this kind of direct, factual, and publicly embarrassing rebuttal.
The incident underscores the ongoing dynamic in Ontario politics: a premier whose approval is tepid but whose opponents remain unable to capitalize, leaving him politically secure despite a record that invites criticism from both domestic and international figures.
