Harris narrows Trump's lead in battleground states
Vice President Kamala Harris has recovered support for Democrats in five key swing states since launching her presidential campaign this week, according to new polling.
The new poll, published by Emerson College and The Hill, finds Harris still trailing her Republican opponent and former President Donald Trump in four of five states. But the vice president has the closed the gap between the Democratic and GOP ticket, since President Joe Biden dropped his reelection bid and made way for Harris' to run instead.
Trump's biggest lead was in Arizona, five points above Harris. He was ahead of her by two points in Georgia and Pennsylvania, and by one point in Michigan. In Wisconsin, the candidates were tied.
Compared to another Emerson College poll earlier this month, the former president led Biden by about twofold in those same states. Arizona was again his best state, ahead of Biden 46% to 36%, and in Wisconsin, 46% of voters supported Trump compared to 43% support for Biden.
The president said it was time to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders in an Oval Office address Wednesday evening, following a tumultuous June debate and rising public doubts from Democratic lawmakers, donors and voters.
His speech came days after Biden first announced his decision to drop out of the race. Harris quickly followed with her own campaign, receiving the president's endorsement. So far, she has seen record-breaking fundraising and a swell in enthusiasm, particularly from young voters and other crucial voting blocs.
"Harris has recovered a portion of the vote for the Democrats on the presidential ticket since the fallout after the June 27 debate," said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling. "Harris’ numbers now reflect similar support levels to those of Biden back in March."
Her campaign outlined a "path to victory" that included gaining support in battleground states.
"With a popular message, a strong record on the issues that matter most to swing voters, multiple pathways to 270 electoral voters, and unprecedented enthusiasm on her side, the Vice President is in a strong position to take on Donald Trump and win in 104 days," Jen O'Malley Dillon, chair of the Harris campaign, wrote in a memo Wednesday.
Harris' electoral chances could also sway based on her choice in running mate. The Harris campaign has said little about who is top contender, but the rumored roster includes rising stars like North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly.
Harris' VP options: From Josh Shapiro to Mark Kelly, sizing up the slate's pros and cons
Swing state constituents seem to prefer one of their own: 36% of Arizona voters want Kelly for the job; 27% of Michiganders would like to see their governor, Gretchen Whitmer; and 40% of Pennsylvania voters prefer their governor, Josh Shapiro, according to the recent poll.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New poll: Harris closes swing state gap with Trump, since Biden leaves
