A recent national poll reveals a tight race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, with Harris holding a slim lead of just 1 point. Conducted by CNN and SSRS, the survey shows Harris receiving 48% support from likely voters, compared to Trump’s 47%. This narrow margin indicates that the outcome remains uncertain as the election approaches.
The poll highlights a shift in voter sentiment since Harris emerged as the leading candidate for the Democratic ticket following President Biden’s endorsement. Initially, voters were split in their support for Harris, often motivated by a desire to oppose Trump. However, the latest data indicates a growing preference for Harris, with 60% of her supporters backing her candidacy rather than simply voting against Trump.
In contrast, a substantial 72% of Trump’s supporters express their choice as a positive vote for him rather than a reaction against Harris. The survey also indicates Harris’s stronger performance among independent voters, garnering 45% support compared to Trump’s 41%. This advantage is particularly pronounced among female independents, even as white men show a stronger preference for Trump.
Demographic trends within the poll further reveal that Harris outpaces Trump among younger voters and communities of color, specifically Black and Latino populations. Conversely, among white women, Trump holds a slight edge with 50% compared to Harris’s 47%.
The poll also notes that approximately 2% of likely voters remain undecided, while 12% indicate they might still change their choice as the election nears. This dynamic adds another layer of uncertainty to the race, mirroring other national surveys that suggest a closely contested election.
The CNN survey, conducted from September 19 to 22 among 2,074 registered voters, carries a margin of error of 3 percentage points. As the campaign intensifies, both candidates will likely focus on securing the critical support needed to sway undecided voters and solidify their bases.