An expensive political poll has been making the rounds in Pensacola, and it’s raising eyebrows. The anonymous survey, conducted via both phone calls and text messages, appears designed to damage Mayor D.C. Reeves while simultaneously testing potential challengers for the 2026 mayoral race.
A Tale of Two Narratives
The poll presents a stark contrast in how it treats local political figures. While heaping praise on State Rep. Alex Andrade, former Police Chief Eric Randall, Councilman Charles Bare and Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May, describing their “wonderful” accomplishments, it takes a decidedly different approach with the mayor.
Sources who received the poll describe a series of pointed, negative questions about Reeves that read more like opposition research than neutral polling:
- “Do you realize that developers fund D.C.?”
- “Did you know D.C. installed red light cameras?”
- “Do you realize how much D.C. has been out of town?”
One particularly inflammatory question allegedly asked whether respondents liked that the mayor “only pays attention to white people downtown.”
The Cost of Opposition
Political polling isn’t cheap, especially when conducted through multiple channels. Combining phone surveys with text messaging significantly increases costs, suggesting that whoever is behind this effort has substantial financial resources at their disposal.
- The phone poll was reportedly extensive, lasting six to seven minutes and covering demographic information including party affiliation, race, and gender. This level of detail and duration indicates a professional operation with serious political intent.
Theories Abound
The question everyone is asking: Who’s behind it?
Several theories are circulating:
Opposition Research: Some believe it’s an attempt to identify the strongest potential candidate to challenge Reeves in 2026, essentially testing the political waters to see which local figures might have the best chance against the incumbent.
Internal Pressure: One theory suggests it could be an attempt by political allies to bring the mayor “back down to Earth” by showing him areas of political vulnerability.
Political Rivals: Various local political figures have been suggested as potential sponsors, though without evidence.
Not Andrade
I asked Rep. Andrade if he had any involvement with the poll. He was unaware of it when I called him yesterday afternoon.
- “As a conservative Republican with a long record of conservative wins, I’m not sure I’m a fit for the City of Pensacola electorate,” he said. “I’m flattered to be considered, though.”
What It Means
Whether this poll represents early 2026 campaign positioning, opposition research, or internal political pressure, it signals that Mayor Reeves’ political future is very much on someone’s mind. The sophisticated nature of the operation and the resources required suggest this isn’t casual political gossip.
- As the 2026 election cycle approaches, this anonymous poll may be just the first shot fired in what could become a contentious political battle for City Hall.
This report is based on accounts from multiple sources who received the poll.
- We would love to get a recording of the phone poll—hint, hint. And the results, of course.