President Donald Trump is holding strong in key battleground states, despite concerns from his pollster that Vice President Kamala Harris might erode his lead as the Democratic nominee. The latest Emerson College Polling-Hill newspaper survey shows Trump slightly losing ground but still leading in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. He remains tied with Harris in Wisconsin.
Trump’s support remains robust, with 49% backing him in Arizona compared to Harris’ 44%. In Georgia, he leads with 48% to Harris’ 46%, while in Michigan, Trump holds a narrow edge with 46% to Harris’ 45%. In Pennsylvania, Trump’s lead is 48% to Harris’ 46%, and in Wisconsin, both candidates are tied at 47%.
Harris, who was endorsed by President Joe Biden after he withdrew from the race on Sunday, has gained traction among younger voters, according to the survey. This trend has been noted in other polls as well. However, the expected massive shift favoring Harris, feared by the Trump team, did not materialize.
Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, commented on the dynamics, “Harris has recovered a portion of the vote for the Democrats on the presidential ticket since the fallout after the June 27 debate. Harris’s numbers now reflect similar support levels to those of Biden back in March.”
Kimball highlighted the shift among young voters: “Her support compared to Biden increased by 16 points in Arizona, 8 in Georgia, 5 in Michigan, 11 in Pennsylvania, and 1 in Wisconsin since earlier polling this month.”
Despite these gains, Harris’ favorability rating, although better than Biden’s, is still underwater, indicating challenges ahead as she seeks to consolidate her position.
