Latest NBC News national poll shows Harris leading Trump 49%-44%

The latest poll by NBC News reveals that Vice President Kamala Harris has gained noteworthy momentum in the 2024 presidential race, showing a double-digit surge in popularity, growing Democratic enthusiasm, and an early lead in being perceived as the candidate for “change.”

With just over six weeks to go until Election Day, the poll shows Harris leads former President Donald Trump by 5 points among registered voters, 49% to 44%. While the margin of error means the race remains tight, this marks a notable change from July’s poll, when Trump held a 2-point advantage prior to President Joe Biden’s departure from the race.

When third-party candidates are included, Harris extends her lead over Trump to 6 points, with a 47% to 41% advantage.

Harris’ favorability has risen by 16 points since July, representing the largest improvement for any political figure in NBC News polling since George W. Bush’s surge in popularity following the 9/11 attacks. She is now viewed more positively than Trump in terms of competence, effectiveness, and overall health—qualities Trump led on when he was matched against Biden.

With an electorate largely dissatisfied with the direction of the country, Harris has emerged as the candidate better positioned to represent change and to steer the nation in a positive direction.

“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 pollster Jeff Horwitt of Hart Research Associates, who conducted the survey with Republican pollster Bill McInturff.