Polling data highlights a significant challenge for Vice President Kamala Harris as she seeks support from male voters. A new survey conducted by the Economist and YouGov between July 21 and 23 reveals that only 39 percent of male voters intend to cast their ballots for Harris, while 47 percent prefer former President Donald Trump.
The poll, which sampled 1,435 registered voters, has a margin of error of 3.1 percent. Similar findings are reported in another survey by Emerson College conducted from July 22 to 23, showing Trump leading Harris among male voters in several key swing states.
In Michigan, Trump holds a notable 16-point lead over Harris, with 54 percent of male voters supporting him compared to Harris’ 38 percent. In Pennsylvania, Trump enjoys a 15-point advantage, garnering support from 55 percent of male voters. The former president also leads by 13 points in both Arizona and Wisconsin, and has a 10-point edge in Georgia.
More Read
These state-specific polls, which surveyed between 800 and 845 individuals each, have a margin of error of 3 percent. A New York Times and Siena College poll, conducted from July 22 to 24, further underscores the disparity, with Trump receiving support from 56 percent of men, while Harris secures only 37 percent.
The data presents a concerning trend for Democrats, especially considering the progress made among male voters in the 2020 election. In 2020, the gap between Trump and President Joe Biden among male voters was a narrow 2 points (50 percent to 48 percent), a significant improvement from 2016 when Trump led by 11 points (52 percent to 41 percent).
Historically, male voters have leaned towards Republican candidates, while female voters typically support Democrats. This gender gap has been a consistent feature in every presidential election since 1980, according to the Center for American Women and Politics.
Carrie Baker, a professor of women, gender, and sexuality at Smith College, stresses the need for targeted messaging to appeal to male voters. “Democrats need to develop messaging that focuses on policy issues rather than Harris’ potential to be the first female president,” she told Newsweek.
As the first female vice president, Harris could also make history as the first female president. Despite her campaign’s focus on her record as a prosecutor and contrasting it with Trump’s criminal charges, references to her potential historic presidency have been less frequent.
A study by the Young Men’s Research Initiative, conducted from July 9 to 23, found that young men aged 18-29 are more likely to support female candidates over Trump when policies such as high-paying jobs and affordable housing are considered. This survey, which included 1,092 men, highlights the shifting dynamics among younger male voters.
“The trend of young men drifting away from Democrats and their increasing sexism should be of huge concern to candidates,” noted the study’s author. “However, targeted messaging about Democratic issues that young men already support could help make inroads.”
Despite the challenges, Baker remains optimistic about Harris’ potential. “America is ready for Harris and what she offers in terms of policies that genuinely help people,” she said.
The Economist/YouGov poll also revealed that 25 percent of men are opposed to electing the U.S.’s first female president, compared to 23 percent of female voters who share that sentiment.
