Democratic senators in Michigan’s key battleground Senate races told supporters they are concerned about Kamala Harris’ chances in the state’s presidential race.
“I don’t feel great right now about where we are in places like Michigan, along the Kamala Harris River,” Elissa Slotkin said at a fundraiser earlier this month, according to Axios. ” he said. “Our vote puts her in the water.”
Slotkin did not provide further details about the data he was referring to, Axios reported. Without seeing the actual poll, it’s difficult to assess its reliability. Candidates may use internal research to galvanize their supporters and challenge complacency.
Mail-in ballots began going to Michigan voters on Thursday.
Donald Trump spoke and held a town hall in Michigan on Friday. Harris’ running mate, Tim Walz, also attended Saturday’s football game between the University of Michigan and the University of Minnesota.
Walz and Trump’s running mate, J.D. Vance, are scheduled to face off on Tuesday in the only vice presidential debate, another milestone in the campaign.
It’s a very close race in Michigan, with Harris leading by a narrow margin, according to the FiveThirtyEight polling average. A victory in Michigan, which Joe Biden won en route to seizing the White House in 2020 after President Trump captured it in 2016, is key to Harris’ presidential hopes.
The easiest path for Harris to win the election and deny Trump a second term is to take control of the Rust Belt states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. If even one of them loses, the path to gaining electoral votes will be complicated.
Polls also show Slotkin widening his lead over his opponent, former representative Mike Rogers. Retaining the seat is critical for Democrats to maintain their majority in the U.S. Senate. Cook Political Report calls the race for Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s seat a close contest.
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Slotkin’s comments come as the presidential campaign enters its final weeks, with polls showing extremely close races in key battleground states.
Harris has a 1.9 point lead in Michigan, based on an average of 538 polls, and has a similar lead in Wisconsin. An average of 538 Pennsylvania polls gives her a one-point lead.
Polls also show very close races in Georgia, Nevada and Arizona.
This article was amended on September 30, 2024 to reflect that the vice presidential debate will take place on Tuesday instead of Wednesday.
