The 2024 presidential race is shaping up to be a tight contest, with Vice President Kamala Harris holding a narrow lead over former President Donald Trump in the key swing state of Pennsylvania. This latest poll, conducted by USA Today/Suffolk, could be a positive sign for the Democratic camp.
According to the poll, 49% of likely Pennsylvania voters would choose Harris, while 46% would opt for Trump. The remaining voters are either undecided or lean toward alternative candidates. These findings are particularly encouraging for Harris, considering that Biden narrowly won Pennsylvania in 2020 by a mere 1.12% margin.
The poll highlights a significant demographic split in the state, with women favoring Harris by a 56%-39% margin. However, Trump leads among men by a sizable 53%-14%. Interestingly, more independent voters are leaning towards Harris than Trump.
The poll also shows a high level of voter certainty, with 93% of likely voters stating they have made up their minds. The remaining 7% are undecided or could change their vote, a factor that could influence the election’s outcome.
It’s important to note that these results come after a recent presidential debate where Harris is widely considered to have won. The debate may have swayed some voters towards Trump, as pre-debate polls showed a closer race with Harris leading by only 9 percentage points.
Pennsylvania, with its 19 electoral votes, is a pivotal state in the 2024 election. The outcome in this state could have a significant impact on the overall presidential race.
The poll also delves into the reasons why some voters who supported Biden in 2020 are not currently backing Harris. Key concerns include the economy, border and immigration issues, and foreign policy. Additionally, a substantial number of voters indicated a lack of familiarity with Harris’ policies.
In terms of approval ratings, Trump had a net-neutral rating for his job as president, while Harris has a slightly negative rating for her role as vice president.
While Harris holds a slim lead in the state, the race remains close and could shift with voter sentiment. This poll provides a snapshot of the current landscape in Pennsylvania and underlines the crucial role this swing state will play in the upcoming presidential election.