Kamala Harris is seeing a major boost in support from women voters as the election approaches. A new survey shows Harris leading former President Donald Trump by 15 points among women, with independent women favoring her by an 18-point margin.
In the final stretch before the upcoming presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris is experiencing a surge in support among women voters, according to a new survey conducted by the Women & Politics Institute at American University’s School of Public Affairs. The survey, She Votes: From Issues to Impact, reveals that Harris has widened her lead over former President Donald Trump, with women favoring her by a margin of 54% to 39%. Among independent women, Harris’s advantage grows even further, with an 18-point lead (50%-32%).
The survey underscores Harris’s increasing popularity, showing a notable 12-point rise in favorability since 2023. Independent women voters have particularly shifted their views, with a 23-point increase in their favorable opinions of the Vice President.
Key Concerns Driving Support
Economic concerns are at the forefront of women’s minds, with inflation being the top issue cited by voters. Harris holds the trust of women on a range of key issues, including the economy, foreign policy, and immigration, which positions her as a more favorable candidate than Trump among this crucial voting bloc. Additionally, many women voters remain concerned about abortion access and reproductive rights, following recent legislative attacks. The majority of women surveyed support keeping abortion legal and accessible without government interference.
Betsy Fischer Martin, Executive Director of the Women & Politics Institute, pointed out the significance of the findings, predicting a historic gender gap and high female voter turnout. “This election is set to break records in terms of female voter engagement. Our survey provides a roadmap to understanding the key issues that will drive women to the polls,” she said.
Optimism Despite Challenges
Although inflation has affected women’s financial outlook, the survey notes that optimism about the economy is on the rise. Over half of the women surveyed feel hopeful about the U.S. economy’s prospects in the coming year, compared to just 40% in 2023. This positive shift is seen as a reflection of Harris’s efforts to build trust on economic issues.
Historic Moment for Women in Politics
The excitement surrounding Harris’s candidacy extends beyond individual issues. Many women are enthusiastic about the possibility of electing the first female president, with 60% of respondents believing that the government functions better when more women hold office. Furthermore, the country appears more open to female leadership than it was during Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential bid, particularly among Democrats and Black women.
Lindsay Vermeyen, a partner at Benenson Strategy Group, which conducted the survey, emphasized the heightened political engagement among women, noting, “Nearly half of the women we surveyed believe this will be the most important election of their lifetime. The stakes are incredibly high, and women are more engaged than ever.”
For more details, visit Gender on the Ballot.