Trump Gains Ground on Harris Ahead of Election
As the U.S. presidential election approaches, recent polling indicates that former President Donald Trump is narrowing the gap with Vice President Kamala Harris. Polls conducted in early October show a competitive race, with Trump now at 48% and Harris at 50% according to an ABC News-Ipsos poll, which falls within the margin of error. An NBC News poll shows them tied at 48% among registered voters. The CBS News/YouGov poll shows Harris leading slightly at 51% to Trump's 48%.
In battleground states, Harris maintains a narrow lead with 51% support compared to Trump’s 49%. However, these figures suggest a tightening race as both candidates prepare for the final weeks of campaigning. Trump is gaining traction particularly among voters concerned about immigration and the economy, with 56% of Americans supporting stricter immigration policies, a 20-point increase since 2016. Among voters who believe the economy is deteriorating, Trump leads with 74% support.
Key Battlegrounds and Voter Demographics
Georgia is a critical swing state where Trump currently leads Harris with 48.32% to her 47.26%, reflecting a significant shift since Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race. The state's diverse demographics, particularly its high proportion of African American voters, will play a crucial role in the election outcome. Polls indicate that 30% of voters in Georgia identified as Black in 2020, and Harris's support among Latino voters appears to be lagging compared to Biden's 2020 performance.
In a recent charity gala, Trump humorously targeted Harris for her absence, noting her decision to campaign in Wisconsin instead. This event not only highlighted the ongoing rivalry between the two candidates but also emphasized the importance of Catholic voters, where Trump reportedly leads Harris by 5 percentage points in key states. As both candidates ramp up their efforts, the upcoming weeks will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of this closely contested race.
