Kamala Harris is leading for the Democratic nomination and has strong numbers against Trump.
**Harris Emerging as a Strong Contender for Democratic Nomination**
A recent survey conducted among 1,743 U.S. adults revealed a significant surge in support for Vice President Kamala Harris among Democratic voters as a potential replacement for President Biden. The survey, which took place from July 19 to July 22, showcased Harris’s backing increasing from 38% to 59% in the weeks leading up to Biden’s announcement of not running for reelection. In contrast, the support for “someone else” decreased from 42% to 24%, reaching just 19% in the latest poll.
These latest poll numbers, combined with numerous endorsements from key Democratic figures and reports of securing a majority of Democratic delegates, suggest that Harris is well on her way to securing the nomination before the upcoming convention in Chicago next month.
However, doubts linger regarding whether Harris would have been able to defeat other potential Democratic rivals in an open contest, and if she truly is the strongest candidate to face off against Trump in November.
**Harris Leading Among Democratic Contenders**
Interestingly, close to half (49%) of Democrats and Democratic leaners expressed favor towards Harris as the new nominee when compared to a variety of hypothetical challengers. This figure marks a significant increase from 31% just three weeks ago. In the latest poll, California Governor Gavin Newsom secured a distant second place with merely 9%, down from 17% earlier.
Other emerging Democratic figures like Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, among others, trailed even further behind and have since thrown their support behind Harris instead of challenging her.
**Potential Trump vs. Harris Matchup**
In a hypothetical matchup against Trump, Harris currently stands tied with the president among registered voters at 46%. This is in line with Biden’s previous standing before his decision not to run for reelection. However, Harris outperforms Trump among various demographics, including women, younger Americans, independents, Black Americans, and individuals who hold unfavorable views towards both Biden and Trump.
On the flip side, Trump would defeat comparatively lesser-known Democrats like Newsom, Whitmer, or Shapiro if an election were held today, according to the poll. The national spotlight could potentially boost their standing, but the opposite outcome is also plausible.
**Upcoming Challenges for Harris**
The road ahead for Harris is bound to be challenging as Democratic delegates will make their nominee selection in fifteen days, followed by the presidential election in less than ninety days. This timeframe presents a significant task for any candidate to navigate.
While Harris’s favorable rating stands at 40%, slightly higher than Biden’s and lower than Trump’s, her job approval rating as vice president is at 35%. The share of individuals who disapprove of her performance (48%) isn’t as high as Biden’s, primarily due to a notable 16% who are undecided about their views on Harris.
**Room for Growth**
Compared to Biden and Trump, Harris has a higher percentage of individuals who are undecided about her performance. This indicates a potential for her to alter public perceptions in the future. Nonetheless, Democrats overwhelmingly view her bid as a positive step forward, with a significantly larger proportion favoring her over Biden as the nominee.
As for Biden, a dwindling 25% of Americans believed he was up to the challenges facing the nation, with even fewer considering him fit for another presidential term. In contrast, Trump’s approval ratings on these fronts were notably higher. Furthermore, a considerable 58% of Americans expressed doubt regarding the transparency of information concerning Biden’s health and administration.
**Conclusion**
The political landscape is witnessing a shift, with Harris emerging as a frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. Her growing support among key demographics, combined with endorsements and delegate backing, positions her as a formidable contender. Despite the challenges ahead, the upcoming months will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the presidential race, with Harris at the forefront of the conversation.
