Opinion polls predict a tight race in the US presidential election 

trump-and-harris
© Shaleah Craighead and Lawrence Jackson

As the US heads into the final weeks before the presidential election, the race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump has tightened significantly. Recent polls and analyses from various reputable sources indicate a dynamic electoral landscape, with both candidates experiencing fluctuations in their support.

National Polls

The latest NBC News poll shows a deadlock between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Both candidates are at 49% among likely voters, signaling a return of Republican support for Mr. Trump after a period of decline following a debate. 

This poll underscores a significant shift from previous weeks, where Ms. Harris had enjoyed a lead. This development is also mirrored in sentiments expressed on social media and other polls, where users and analysts noted Trump’s recent gains, with some even suggesting Trump has taken a lead based on betting markets and specific polls.

Battleground States and Gender Gap

The battleground states remain the epicenter of this electoral contest, where neither candidate leads by more than three percentage points in states likely to decide the election. This unprecedented closeness suggests that the outcome could hinge on even the slightest shift in voter sentiment. 

A notable aspect of this election is the pronounced gender gap, with women favoring Harris by a significant margin while men lean towards Trump, highlighting a deep division in voter preferences along gender lines.

The Role of Issues

The election has seen abortion emerge as a top motivating issue, alongside economic concerns and foreign policy, particularly regarding the Middle East. 

Mr. Trump has an edge on issues like border control and cost of living, which might be influencing his recent poll performance. Conversely, Ms. Harris’s campaign has tried to leverage dissatisfaction with Trump’s previous term, though recent polls suggest a more favorable view of Mr. Trump’s presidency than Mr. Biden’s.

As the election approaches, the race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump remains one of the closest in recent history. The national polls, alongside state-specific analyses, indicate a contest that could go either way, with the battleground states potentially deciding the next president.