Vice President Kamala Harris has significantly closed the gap with former President Donald Trump in the race for the White House, according to the latest Wall Street Journal poll. This development comes after President Joe Biden's unexpected exit from the 2024 presidential race, which has dramatically reshaped the political landscape.
The Wall Street Journal poll shows Trump leading Harris by a slim margin of 49% to 47%, within the margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. This close race marks a significant improvement for the Democrats, who saw Biden trailing Trump by six percentage points before he withdrew his candidacy.
Harris has garnered substantial support from key demographics within the Democratic coalition that had previously shown lukewarm support for Biden. For instance, Harris is expected to secure 69% of the Black registered voters, a notable increase from the 59% that Biden was receiving in previous polls. Additionally, her support among Hispanic voters has surged from 45% to 57%, and among voters under 30, from 46% to 56%.
The shift in voter sentiment is also reflected in a New York Times/Siena College poll, which reports Trump leading Harris by just one percentage point, 48% to 47%, among likely voters. This is a stark contrast to earlier polls where Trump maintained a nine-point lead over Biden among registered voters.
The momentum behind Harris's campaign has been building since she officially declared her candidacy for President on Saturday, following Biden's endorsement of her as the Democratic nominee. "I will work hard to earn every vote. And in November, our people-powered campaign will win," Harris wrote on X, signaling her commitment to a vigorous campaign effort.
Support for Harris has been bolstered by endorsements from influential figures such as former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. She has also received the backing of a majority of Democratic delegates, positioning her strongly for the official nomination at the party convention next month.
The Wall Street Journal poll, conducted from July 23-25 with 1,000 registered voters, highlights a significant rise in Harris's favorability rating, which has jumped from 35% earlier this month to 46%. In contrast, Trump's favorability stands at 47%, while Biden's has dropped to 39%.
Harris's improved standing in the polls can be attributed to several factors, including a spike in fundraising and a wave of endorsements from within her party. The quick consolidation of support following Biden's exit has allowed her to gain a strong foothold in the race against Trump.
Biden's decision to withdraw from the race was influenced by growing concerns within the Democratic Party about his age, mental fitness, and ability to secure a victory in November. His departure came after a particularly poor debate performance, which intensified calls for him to step aside.
Trump, meanwhile, continues to maintain a solid base of support among registered voters. The former president's favorability has remained relatively stable, reflecting his enduring appeal to his core supporters. However, the narrowing lead over Harris suggests a more competitive race than previously anticipated.
The Bloomberg analysis of multiple polls conducted after Biden's exit indicates that Harris trails Trump by an average of 1.6 percentage points. This narrow margin underscores the volatility of the current political climate and the potential for further shifts in voter sentiment as the campaign progresses.
As the November election approaches, the dynamic between Harris and Trump will be closely watched. Both candidates are expected to intensify their campaign efforts, aiming to sway undecided voters and solidify their respective bases. The evolving polling data will be critical in shaping strategies and forecasting potential outcomes in what promises to be a fiercely contested race.
