Special Poll
A recent poll conducted by American University shows that Vice President Kamala Harris is gaining ground among female voters, particularly when it comes to economic issues like inflation and the cost of living. The survey, which gathered responses from over 800 registered female voters in September, revealed that a majority of women now trust Harris more than Donald Trump to address these concerns.
The poll indicates a notable shift in attitudes. In 2023 and 2022, more than 60% of suburban women expressed pessimism about the economy. However, this number has now dropped to 40%. Despite this improvement, nearly two-thirds of women still report that their personal financial situation has worsened in recent years.
Lindsay Vermeyen, who led the survey, noted that Harris has “eliminated Trump’s advantage on inflation, narrowed the gap on economic issues, and widened her support among women.” Vermeyen added that Harris’s messaging is starting to resonate with moderate voters, contributing to these gains.
Since Harris assumed the Democratic nomination in July, she has steadily eroded Trump’s lead on economic issues. The poll reflects a growing gender gap in the campaign, with Trump performing better among men, but Harris’s favorability among women has increased by 12 points compared to 2023. Now, 55% of female voters view her positively, while 41% hold a negative opinion. In contrast, 57% of women view Trump unfavorably.
Abortion rights continue to be a key issue for women voters, especially in the wake of the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade. Two-thirds of those surveyed believe abortion should be legal in most or all cases, and 86% think the government should not interfere in a woman’s decision regarding abortion. Opposition to abortion among Republican women has also decreased significantly, with only 12% saying it should be illegal in all circumstances—a drop from 24% in 2023.
This shift in attitudes on abortion benefits Harris, who holds a strong lead on this issue, with 55% of women supporting her stance.
Although Harris has not emphasized the historical significance of her candidacy as the potential first female president, the poll shows that nine out of 10 Democratic women are motivated by the possibility. Furthermore, 70% of independent women express excitement about helping to elect the first woman president. A majority—two-thirds of all women surveyed—believe that the country is more ready to elect a female president now than it was in 2016.