New Poll Shows FL-13 in Statistical Tie as Leela Gray Emerges as Serious Threat to Anna Paulina Luna

For Immediate Release

Date: May 28, 2026

St. Petersburg, FL — A new poll conducted by Public Policy Polling (PPP) shows Brigadier General (Ret.) Leela Gray in a statistical tie against Republican incumbent Anna Paulina Luna in Florida’s 13th Congressional District, signaling growing vulnerability for Luna in one of the nation’s most competitive battleground seats.

“Families across Florida are doing everything right and still falling behind. They’re watching grocery bills climb, insurance rates explode, and basic necessities become harder and harder to afford, all while feeling abandoned by the people sent to Washington to fight for them,” said Gray. “Instead of delivering for this district, Congresswoman Luna has chosen political stunts, chaos, and self-promotion over the people she represents. Floridians are ready for new leadership rooted in service over self. I spent 30 years serving this country in uniform, and I’m running for Congress to bring that same mission-first leadership to Washington and fight for the families who have been ignored for far too long.”

Poll’s Key Findings:

A Statistical Tie Despite a Massive Name Recognition Gap: Among all voters, Luna enjoys a 47-point name recognition advantage. Despite Luna’s familiarity, Gray is down 2 points in the head-to-head matchup (39% to 41%), well within the poll's margin of error.
Luna’s Image and Job Approval Are Underwater: Luna is vulnerable with her own constituents, who both view her negatively (36% Favorable / 42% Unfavorable) and disapprove of her performance in Washington ( 38% Approve / 41% Disapprove).
Trump is a Drag on the Ticket: Donald Trump’s numbers have plummeted in FL-13, where he is now underwater by 17 points. This creates a massive headwind for Luna, who has put his agenda and political games above our constituents her entire time in Congress.
Independents Have Deserted Luna: Gray is beating Luna by 10 points among these critical swing voters.
Gray’s Lead Grows After Introduction: Once voters are introduced to both candidates and hear balanced bios, the race flips in Gray’s favor. Gray takes a 4-point lead overall following bios, and her lead with NPAs jumps 19 points.

A retired Army Brigadier General, third-generation veteran, mom, and small business leader, Leela Gray has built growing momentum in the race, outraising Luna last quarter and raising another $100,000 in the 10 days after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s new congressional maps into law. Gray’s campaign, centered on lowering costs, fighting for veterans, seniors, and working families, and bringing steady, service-driven leadership back to Washington, offers a sharp contrast to Luna’s chaos and extremism.

Gray’s candidacy has earned the backing of EMILY's List, VoteVets, New Politics, Veterans for Responsible Leadership, and Congressional members Kathy Castor and Jason Crow, along with local leaders including former FL-13 Democratic nominee Whitney Fox and Safety Harbor Mayor Joe Ayoub.

To learn more about Leela, visit leelagray.com.

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