Presidential Poll 2016: Hillary Clinton Leads Bernie Sanders Among Black, Hispanic Voters In Florida

Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders is trailing behind former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, particularly among minority voters, a recent poll by the University of North Florida found. The results indicated a similar decisive lead in the Sunshine State to the one Clinton saw in South Carolina, where she ended up with nearly three quarters of the vote Saturday night, Politico Florida reported Monday.

While statewide in Florida, Clinton led Sanders 54-24 percent, among African-Americans, she held a stronger lead of 67-12 percent. Hispanics favored her 66-22 percent. Among non-Hispanic white voters, she led with about 48-30 percent, the poll found.

The findings reflect the continued trouble the Vermont senator's campaign has faced in attracting minority voters, despite frequently speaking on race-related issues and having been active in the civil rights movement in the 1960s. At a pro-Clinton rally in Miami, U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., indicated that Clinton would carry forward President Barack Obama’s mission.

“She deserves to go back to the White House, but this time as the commander in chief,” Wilson reportedly said. “If we elect Donald Trump, all of Obama’s hard work will be wiped out.”

The University of North Florida poll included 685 registered Democratic likely voters and was conducted Feb. 22-27. It had a margin error of 3.74.

Sanders has received the endorsement of a number of high-profile black figures, including rapper Michael Render, better known as Killer Mike, who has frequently appeared passionately endorsing the candidate. This month, Sanders met with the Rev. Al Sharpton in Harlem to discuss issues pertinent to black communities in an effort to mobilize black voters.

Some, however, have said that Sanders' outreach to black communities has come too little, too late. In contrast, Clinton’s campaign has had a stronger ground presence ahead of primaries in many states and has maintained relations with those communities around the country for years. Florida is set to vote March 15.