Kamala Harris holds lead over Donald Trump in NH in latest poll

Vice President Kamala Harris continues to hold a lead over former President Donald Trump in New Hampshire in the 2024 presidential election, according to a new poll out of UMass Lowell’s Center for Public Opinion.

The poll shows Harris leading Trump 50% to 41%. About 1% of likely voters said they would vote for independent candidates Jill Stein and Chase Oliver, respectively.

This lead is similar to what other polls in New Hampshire have found. A Saint Anselm poll from early October found Harris leading Trump by 7 points, while a UNH Survey Center poll from mid-September found her ahead by 11.

Harris has support from 97% of Democrats and 37% of independents in New Hampshire, according to the UMass Lowell poll, while 91% of Republicans and 36% of independents said they support Trump. Five percent of Republican respondents said they are planning on voting for Harris, compared to 0% of Democrats who said they would vote for Trump.

Forty-two percent of respondents said they think Harris will win the presidential election, compared with 36% who said Trump will win.

Harris also lead on favorability with 50% finding her favorable and 43% finding her unfavorable. Forty percent found Trump favorable and 55% found him unfavorable.

More people in New Hampshire also found Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who is Harris’ running mate, to be better suited to serve as president than Trump’s vice presidential pick, Sen. JD Vance, if their running mate wasn’t able to do the job. Walz is preferred 48%-36%.

Ayotte and Craig remain neck and neck in race for NH governor

The poll also found the New Hampshire gubernatorial race between former Sen. Kelly Ayotte, the Republican nominee, and former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig, the Democratic nominee, to be a statistical dead heat. Ayotte leads Craig 42% to 41% while 14% remain undecided.

The poll reveals Craig leading among those under 44 and over 65, those with a four-year degree, and among women. Ayotte leads among middle-age adults, men, and those who regularly attend church.

More: Ayotte, Craig raise and spend record millions on NH governor’s race

Ayotte and Craig are running to replace outgoing Gov. Chris Sununu, who remains popular in the state. A majority of respondents said they strongly or somewhat approve of how Sununu is handling his job.

Market Basket leads NH grocery stores with broad support

Amid questions on national and global news topics facing the U.S. and New Hampshire like Israel/Gaza, immigration, and abortion, the poll also asked respondents which grocery store is the best in New Hampshire.

Market Basket won decisively, garnering 60% to Hannaford 27%. Shaw’s earned 7%, “another store” got 6%, and Price Chopper received 0%. 

In a polarized country, this issue brought agreement: 54% of Democrats, 70% of independents, and 63% of Republicans all said Market Basket is their top choice.

The UMass Lowell poll interviewed 677 registered voters in New Hampshire from Oct. 2-10. It has an adjusted margin of error of +/- 4.83%.