Kamala Harris is surprisingly strong polling in Alaska

Factors contributing to Harris's strong polling in Alaska

• Narrow margin in recent poll: A September 2024 Alaska Survey Research poll shows Harris trailing Trump by only 5 points (42% for Harris, 47% for Trump) among likely voters, highlighting Kamala Harris's surprisingly strong polling in Alaska

• Ranked-choice voting impact: Alaska's new ranked-choice voting system could potentially benefit Harris if third-party candidates are eliminated and their votes redistributed, potentially boosting Harris's Alaska poll results

• Changing voter preferences: In the 2022 midterms, Alaskans bucked Trump's favored candidates for Senate and House, indicating a potential shift in political leanings and increased Kamala Harris Alaska voter support

• Democratic support: Alaska Democrats have fully embraced Harris's candidacy, with all 20 voting delegates at the Democratic National Convention pledged to support her, contributing to Harris's surprisingly strong polling in Alaska

Contextual factors

• Historical context: Alaska hasn't voted for a Democratic presidential candidate in 60 years, since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, making Harris's Alaska poll results particularly noteworthy

• Economic considerations: Alaska's economy is projected to see modest job growth in 2024, with a 1.7% increase in jobs, which could influence voter sentiment and potentially impact Kamala Harris's Alaska voter support

• Demographic shifts: Alaska's population structure in 2024 shows a significant young population, which could potentially favor Harris and contribute to her surprisingly strong polling in Alaska

Potential challenges

• Republican criticism: Alaska Republicans have criticized the Biden-Harris administration, calling it a "disaster" for the US and Alaska, which could affect Harris's Alaska poll results

• Population decline: Alaska's population is projected to decline in 2024, which could affect voting patterns and potentially impact Kamala Harris's Alaska voter support

FAQ

Why is Kamala Harris polling surprisingly well in Alaska?

Kamala Harris is polling surprisingly well in Alaska due to changing demographics, the state's new ranked-choice voting system, and shifting voter preferences. Recent polls show her trailing Donald Trump by only 5 points, which is significant given Alaska's 60-year history of voting Republican in presidential elections.

What do the latest Harris Alaska poll results show?

The latest Harris Alaska poll results from September 2024 show Kamala Harris trailing Donald Trump by only 5 points among likely voters, with 42% support for Harris and 47% for Trump. This narrow margin highlights Harris's unexpectedly strong performance in a traditionally Republican state.

How might ranked-choice voting affect Kamala Harris's Alaska voter support?

Alaska's new ranked-choice voting system could potentially benefit Kamala Harris by redistributing votes from eliminated third-party candidates. This system may allow Harris to gain additional support and potentially close the gap with Trump in the final vote tally.

What factors are contributing to Harris's strong polling in Alaska?

Factors contributing to Harris's strong polling in Alaska include changing voter preferences, demographic shifts, the impact of ranked-choice voting, and full support from Alaska Democrats. Additionally, the state's projected job growth and significant young population could influence voter sentiment in Harris's favor.

How does Harris's performance in Alaska compare to historical trends?

Harris's performance in Alaska is notable because the state hasn't voted for a Democratic presidential candidate in 60 years, since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. Her current polling, trailing by only 5 points, represents a significant shift from historical voting patterns and suggests increased Kamala Harris Alaska voter support.