Trump takes lead over Harris in new WSJ poll
Former President of the United States Donald J. Trump and Vice President Harris's first Presidential Debate is displayed on a TV screen in Foster City, California, United States on September 10, 2024.
( Tayfun Coşkun - Anadolu Agency )
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has gained a slight lead over Democratic rival Kamala Harris in the latest Wall Street Journal poll, with Trump at 47% and Harris at 45% among registered voters. This represents a shift from the August survey, where Harris had a 2-point lead. Both results fall within the poll’s margin of error of 2.5 percentage points, indicating that the race remains competitive.
Why it matters?
This poll indicates a change in voter sentiment, showing more favorable views of Trump’s past performance and agenda, while Harris’s approval ratings have declined.
Trump currently holds a 4-point positive rating for his presidency, with 52% of respondents approving of his time in office. In contrast, Harris faces a 12-point negative rating, as 54% disapprove of her performance as vice president.
Big picture
Both campaigns have increased their advertising spending to influence public perception. Trump and his allies have invested over $378 million in ads that depict Harris as too liberal for the country. Meanwhile, Harris has outspent Trump, allocating $625 million to enhance her image and present her policies to voters.
By the numbers
- Trump’s economic plan has a 10-point net positive view among voters, while Harris’s plan has a 4-point negative view.
- Since August, voter sentiment toward Harris has worsened, with 53% now holding unfavorable views compared to 45% who view her favorably.
What’s next on Trump-Harris race?
With only a few weeks remaining until Election Day, both campaigns are intensifying efforts to reach undecided voters, as negative ads and policy debates continue to shape the race.
