New Poll Reveals Harris’s Lead Over Trump Halved in Key Swing State

A recent poll reveals that Vice President Kamala Harris’s lead in Minnesota has been significantly reduced by Donald Trump. The SurveyUSA poll, conducted in collaboration with local TV stations KTSP, KAAL, and WDIO, shows Harris leading Trump 48 percent to 43 percent in this crucial swing state.

While Harris maintains a positive lead, it has decreased from a 10-point margin reported previously. In a poll conducted between July 23 and 25, she had a stronger position, leading Trump 50 percent to 40 percent. This latest survey interviewed 635 likely voters and has a margin of error of 4.5 percentage points.

Brian McClung, communications director for former Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty, noted that national polls indicate Harris might be experiencing a boost following the Democratic convention. However, he expressed that the SurveyUSA poll’s results align with expectations from the current race dynamics.

Former Minnesota DFL Party Chair Mike Erlandson echoed this sentiment. He suggested that the initial 10-point lead for Harris might have stemmed from heightened excitement surrounding President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race.

“She’s in good shape in Minnesota, and frankly, with the Democratic and Republican conventions underway, alongside the addition of Tim Walz to the ballot, there is a lot of attention on the race,” Erlandson remarked. “So if I were in their position, I would feel encouraged to hold a five-point lead in Minnesota.”

The poll results indicate that Harris performs well among various demographic groups. She leads among women with 55 percent compared to Trump’s 37 percent, as well as among independents, where she holds a 42 percent to 35 percent advantage. Harris also leads significantly in urban areas (57 to 34 percent) and suburban regions (53 to 39 percent).

On the other hand, Trump’s support is stronger among men, where he leads 48 percent to 42 percent, and in rural areas, where he has a 54 percent to 37 percent advantage.

Interestingly, surveys conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies and The Telegraph across August present a contrasting trend to the SurveyUSA findings. These polls indicate that Harris’s lead in Minnesota has actually grown, moving from five percentage points to seven, and then to nine points by August 29.

As the election cycle progresses, both campaigns will be closely monitoring voter sentiment, particularly as national events unfold and influence local races. The dynamics in Minnesota, a key battleground, will likely play a crucial role in shaping the overall election landscape.