Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as a formidable challenger to former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race, according to a new NBC News poll. The poll shows Harris leading Trump by 5 points among registered voters, 49% to 44%.

Harris’ favorability has surged 16 points since July, the largest increase for any politician in NBC News polling since George W. Bush after 9/11. She now holds advantages over Trump in areas such as competence, effectiveness, and mental and physical health to be president.

“In July, there was a stiff breeze heading directly at President Biden and obscuring a clear path to victory. Today, the winds have turned in Kamala Harris’ favor,” said Jeff Horwitt of Hart Research Associates.

Economic Concerns Remain Key Issue

However, Trump maintains leads on key issues like the economy and inflation. Two-thirds of voters say their family income is falling behind the cost of living, which remains a top concern.

The poll also reveals that Harris is seen as better representing change and getting the country headed in the right direction. This is significant in a contest between a sitting vice president and an ex-president, with an electorate that largely believes the U.S. is “on the wrong track.”

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Race Remains Tight Despite Harris’ Gains

Despite Harris’ gains, the race remains close. Republican pollster Bill McInturff noted, “We have seen this movie before. They can get squishy on Trump, and then in the end they come back and they vote the way they’re going to vote on a Republican-versus-Democrat preference for Congress.”

The poll, conducted September 13-17, comes after several significant political events, including Biden’s withdrawal from the race, party conventions, and the first debate between Trump and Harris.

Read more at NBC News