Kamala Harris Poised to Extend Democratic Stronghold in Minnesota, Poll Suggests

A Fox News survey reveals that Vice President Kamala Harris holds a 6-point edge over former President Donald Trump in a potential 2024 presidential matchup in Minnesota, a state that has consistently voted Democratic since 1976.

Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as a formidable candidate for the 2024 presidential race, according to a Fox News poll that suggests she could extend the Democratic party's longstanding dominance in Minnesota.

The survey, conducted July 22-24, shows Harris leading Trump by 52% to 46% among Minnesota registered voters, a margin that closely resembles the 2020 election results in the state. Harris's strong support among urban voters (65%), suburban women (63%), and White voters with a college degree (60%) contributes to her advantage.

Kamala Harris Poised to Extend Democratic Stronghold in Minnesota, Poll Suggests

Trump, on the other hand, relies on support from White evangelical Christians (69%), White men with no college degree (59%), and rural voters (56%). Harris's ideological and party support are also more robust than Trump's, with 93% of liberal voters and 95% of Democrats backing her compared to 81% of conservatives and 93% of Republicans for Trump.

The poll indicates that Harris is a more appealing candidate than other potential Biden replacements, such as Gretchen Whitmer and Josh Shapiro, in hypothetical matchups against Trump. However, her support drops below 50% on an expanded ballot that includes other candidates.

Kamala Harris Poised to Extend Democratic Stronghold in Minnesota, Poll Suggests

Harris's personal favorable rating stands higher than Biden's by 9 points, and she receives a net positive rating of 4 points compared to Biden's negative rating of 14 points. Despite this, neither Harris nor Biden has the same favorability as Minnesota's senior Democratic Senator, Amy Klobuchar, who checks in at 57% favorable.

Biden's decision to withdraw from the presidential race has met with high approval (83%), with more Democrats (90%) approving than Independents (83%) or Republicans (76%). While the majority approves of the decision, 68% of voters still believe he should finish his term, while 30% say he should resign.

Kamala Harris Poised to Extend Democratic Stronghold in Minnesota, Poll Suggests

Trump's favorable rating is underwater by 13 points, and his vice-presidential running mate JD Vance is also underwater by 8 points. The top issue for Minnesota voters is the economy at 33%, followed by immigration (16%) and abortion (15%).

Those who point to the economy as the most important issue back Trump by 33 points, while immigration voters support him by an even greater 83 points. Those who say abortion is their top issue favor Harris by 63 points.

While Trump and his team plan to campaign in Minnesota, experts believe that Harris's strong candidacy makes it less likely for Republicans to win the state this fall. Harris is seen favorably by a narrow majority, while Trump and Biden have higher unfavorable ratings.

Among Minnesota registered voters, Harris is the top choice to replace Biden as the Democratic nominee, with 48% supporting her, including 76% of Democrats and 40% of Independents. Klobuchar is the second choice for both Democrats (8%) and Independents (16%).

In the Minnesota Senate race, incumbent Klobuchar outperforms Harris in her contest against potential Republican challenger Royce White. Five times as many Trump supporters defect to Klobuchar (15%) as Harris backers switch sides to White (3%).

The Minnesota Senate primary will be held August 13 to determine who will run against the incumbent Democratic senator.

Overall, the Fox News poll suggests that Harris is a formidable candidate for the 2024 presidential race and that Minnesota remains a tough nut for Republicans to crack, particularly with Harris at the top of the Democratic ticket.