Former President Donald Trump is gaining momentum in the presidential race, according to a recent national poll conducted by Marquette University. The survey shows both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris tied with 50% support each when leaners are included in a two-way race. This represents a four-point swing in Trump’s favor since the last poll was released on August 1, which showed Harris ahead by four points with 52% support to Trump’s 48.
The same survey also examined results with a “full field” and found that Harris held a slim lead of one percentage point, receiving 48% support compared to Trump’s 47%, while another four percent chose “other.” In the previous survey, Harris was ahead by eight points in the full field, with 50% support to Trump’s 42.
Trump also outperforms Harris on specific issues. When asked who would do a better job handling the economy, 52% of respondents chose Trump, while only 38% chose Harris. Just six percent said both candidates were about the same, and four percent said neither was good. NBC News’ Chuck Todd has attributed these results to misogyny in polling against women like Biden, but there could be other factors at play as well.
Similarly, when asked who would do a better job handling immigration and the border, 51% chose Trump, while only 39% chose Harris. On the issue of the Israel/Hamas war, 44% said Trump would be better at handling it, compared to 35% who chose Harris.
Trump holds a three-point edge on foreign relations, while Harris takes the lead on abortion policy and healthcare, ensuring fair elections, and handling Medicare and Social Security. The survey was conducted from October 1-10, 2024, among 699 likely voters and has a +/- 4.7% margin of error. This comes as Trump continues to perform well in key swing states as the election draws nearer.