Trump Maintains Polling Advantage Over Harris As 2024 Election Nears

In the wake of President Joe Biden’s decision not to run for reelection, President Donald Trump holds a strong polling lead over Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden endorsed Harris to be the Democratic nominee, and key party members have shown support for her. However, current polling data suggests she may struggle against Trump.

Trump leads Harris by 1.7% in a head-to-head matchup, according to the RealClearPolitics polling average. In a more complex five-way race that includes independent candidates Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West, as well as Green Party candidate Jill Stein, Trump’s lead extends to 5%.

The Trump campaign has underscored its lead with several polls. A JL Partners survey places Trump 11 points ahead, a Socal Research poll shows an 8-point lead, YouGov reports a 5-point advantage, and Emerson College indicates Trump leads by 6 points. An NPR/PBS/Marist survey from earlier in July, however, showed Harris slightly ahead with 50% to Trump’s 49%.

Biden’s weekend announcement that he will not seek reelection and his endorsement of Harris has shifted the Democratic race. He praised Harris as an excellent vice president and urged the party to unite behind her. Despite this endorsement, Harris has not yet been officially nominated, as the Democratic National Convention will determine the final nominee.

Harris’s path to the nomination faces challenges. While some Democrats have endorsed her, her polling against Trump raises concerns. For Harris to succeed, the Democratic Party will need to consolidate support and address the issues affecting her campaign. As the election cycle progresses, the race between Trump and Harris will likely intensify, making the final months crucial for both candidates.