With less than 47 days until the November election, a new Marist Poll shows that Vice President Harris and former President Trump are tied with likely voters in Pennsylvania, a state that could be crucial in deciding the outcome of the election. Both candidates garnered 49% of likely voters in the Keystone State, with 90% of those who had a candidate preference reporting strong support for their chosen candidate. Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, emphasized the importance of Pennsylvania in the election, noting that winning the state goes a long way in determining the outcome of the race.
In two other key Rust Belt states, Michigan and Wisconsin, Harris leads Trump in the survey. Harris is up five points in Michigan, with a margin of 52% to Trump’s 47%. In Wisconsin, the margin is razor-thin, with Harris beating Trump by just one point, 50% to 49%. Miringoff pointed out that Michigan is the state where there is the most significant difference between Harris and Trump in terms of voter support. Additionally, he noted that Trump’s high negatives in Michigan, along with other factors, are contributing to Harris’ lead in that state.
Inflation emerged as the top issue for most Pennsylvanians, with one-third of survey respondents citing it as their primary concern. Abortion ranked fourth in terms of top issues for voters, with just 11% considering it a priority. Immigration and preserving democracy were also identified as important issues, with 15% and 27% of respondents respectively highlighting them as top concerns. The breakdown of top issues among voters in Wisconsin was similar to that in Pennsylvania, while in Michigan, preserving democracy emerged as the most critical issue for the majority of voters.
A significant gender gap exists between Harris and Trump in all three states, with at least a 20-point difference between male and female voters’ support for the candidates. Men tend to lean towards Trump, while women are more likely to support Harris. Trump’s challenge in attracting female voters is particularly pronounced in Michigan, where Harris leads him by 15 points among likely women voters. The latest Fox News Power Rankings show shifts in the presidential race, with North Carolina and Georgia, once considered Republican strongholds, now rated as toss-ups. As a result, Harris has taken the overall lead in the forecast for the first time.
The close polls in key battleground states and the shifting dynamics of the presidential race underscore the importance of the upcoming election. Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin are expected to play a critical role in determining the outcome of the race, with the candidates focusing their efforts on these key battlegrounds. As the election draws closer, both the Harris and Trump campaigns are likely to intensify their efforts to secure support from voters and sway undecided individuals in these crucial states. Stay updated with the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail by visiting the Fox News Digital election hub.
