Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has gained an edge over Republican rival Donald Trump in key suburban and middle-income voter groups, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. Suburban voters, who make up half of the U.S. electorate, played a significant role in the 2020 election, with President Joe Biden defeating Trump in these areas by six percentage points.
Since Biden withdrew from the 2024 race on July 21, Harris has surged ahead, improving Democrats’ chances for the November 5 election. The polling analysis, which covers over 6,000 registered voters, reveals Harris now leads Trump 47% to 41% among suburban voters, marking a significant nine-point shift since her campaign launch in July. Similarly, among households earning between $50,000 and $100,000, Harris leads 45% to Trump’s 43%.
Despite this, Trump remains favored on economic issues, with 46% of voters considering him better equipped to manage the economy compared to 38% for Harris. Trump has also maintained stronger polling on immigration and crime, emphasizing the need to keep suburbs safe from illegal immigration. However, Harris has focused on growing the middle class and combating political extremism, which has resonated with some voters.
