Special Poll
According to a recent Quinnipiac University poll, President Biden’s lead over Trump in Wisconsin narrows dramatically when third-party candidates are factored into the race. In a direct matchup, Biden leads by 6 points, 50% to 44%. However, his advantage dwindles to just a point when third-party candidates enter the fray.
Tim Malloy, a polling analyst for Quinnipiac University, noted, “In a country divided on issues from wars and the economy to abortion and immigration, and even the survival of democracy itself, one thing is clear: the race is essentially tied when third-party candidates are included.”
The poll surveyed 1,457 registered voters. With third-party candidates included, Biden garnered 40%, Trump 39%, Independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 12%, Green Party’s Jill Stein 4%, and Independent Cornel West 1%.
The presence of third-party candidates appears to be a significant factor in Wisconsin, a state known for its shifting allegiances in recent presidential elections. Kennedy seems to draw support across the board with 8% of Republicans, 5% of Democrats, and 20% of independents. Stein attracted 5% of Democrats and 6% of independents, while West appealed mainly to 3% of independents.
The poll, conducted from May 2-6, has a margin of error of 2.6 percentage points. National averages from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ show Biden and Trump tied at 44.8% each. In a three-way race including Kennedy, Trump slightly leads the national average by 1.1 percentage points, with his support at 41.2%, Biden’s at 40.1%, and Kennedy’s at 8.5%.