With less than a month until Election Day, a new poll from Quinnipiac University reveals that former President Donald Trump is gaining ground in the crucial swing states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin—collectively known as the “Blue Wall.”
The results have surprised many, showing Trump with a significant advantage in Michigan and Wisconsin, while Vice President Kamala Harris holds only a narrow lead in Pennsylvania. The poll indicates that the race is now too close to call in all three battleground states, signaling a potential shakeup that could prove critical to the election outcome.
In Pennsylvania, Harris leads with 49% of likely voter support, while Trump trails closely at an improved 46%, with other candidates making up 2%. In Michigan, Trump has managed to pull ahead, holding 50% support compared to Harris’s 47%. The trend continues in Wisconsin, where Trump edges out Harris with 48% of the vote to her 46%. The shift from Quinnipiac’s previous poll, where Harris had slight leads or ties, suggests that Trump’s campaign has gained momentum in the critical Rust Belt region at a pivotal period in the race. “That was then, this is now. The Harris post-debate starburst dims to a glow as Harris enters the last weeks slipping slightly in the Rust Belt,” said Quinnipiac University Polling Analyst Tim Malloy.
2024 GE: Quinnipiac (2-Way)
MICHIGAN
Trump: 51% [+5]
Harris: 47% [-4]
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WISCONSIN
Trump: 49% [+1]
Harris: 47% [-2]
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PENNSYLVANIA
Harris: 49% [-2]
Trump: 47% [+1][+/- change vs 9/12-16]
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#17 (2.8/3.0) | 10/3-7 | 3,902 LVhttps://t.co/Ewt2zNKmDw pic.twitter.com/oRj9v6JDM0— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) October 9, 2024
The poll also explored key issues that are influencing voter preferences. On the economy, Trump leads Harris in each of these battleground states. In Pennsylvania, 49% of likely voters believe Trump would handle the economy better, compared to 47% for Harris. Michigan shows a stronger preference for Trump at 53%, while only 45% prefer Harris. Wisconsin mirrors these results, with Trump holding a 53% to 44% lead. Immigration is another topic on which Trump has the upper hand. In Pennsylvania, 50% back Trump’s approach versus 46% for Harris. Michigan voters again show strong support for Trump at 53%, compared to Harris’s 44%, while in Wisconsin, Trump leads 52% to 44%.
On the question of who would better preserve democracy in the U.S., voters are more divided. In Pennsylvania, 50% of voters believe Harris would be more effective, compared to 44% for Trump. Michigan voters are almost evenly split, with 49% supporting Trump and 48% for Harris. Wisconsin sees a similarly tight contest, with Harris narrowly leading Trump, 48% to 47%. When it comes to abortion, Harris maintains a solid lead across all three states, with 55% in Pennsylvania, 52% in Michigan, and 53% in Wisconsin favoring her stance on the issue.
Foreign policy is another key battleground in this election. On the issue of the Middle East conflict, Trump leads in Michigan (53% to 43%) and Wisconsin (51% to 44%), while Pennsylvania remains more divided, with Trump holding a slim lead of 47% to 46%. Malloy noted that this issue could play a significant role in voters’ final decisions, stating, “The widening threat of a war encompassing the Middle East elbows its way into the long list of issues both candidates would confront the day they are sworn in, with Trump ahead on this issue in Wisconsin and Michigan.”
The poll also asked voters which candidate best represents their values. In Pennsylvania, 50% of likely voters sided with Harris, while 44% aligned with Trump. In Michigan, Trump leads slightly with 49% compared to Harris’s 47%, and Wisconsin remains evenly split, with both candidates at 48%. The poll results, based on interviews conducted from October 3rd to 7th, have a margin of error of approximately +/- 3 percentage points across the states.