Poll Shows Murphy With Three Point Lead, Three Weeks Out
In a new DCCC-commissioned poll released today, Democrat Stephanie Murphy has a three-point advantage (48-45%) over incumbent Republican Congressman John Mica. The poll, conducted by Global Strategy Group and Lester & Associates for the DCCC, confirms the findings of a DCCC poll released last week which showed Murphy leading Mica by two points in the Orlando-area race. Murphy has opened up a particularly wide lead among Independents, where she has a 54-36% margin over Mica.
The poll highlights that not only is Murphy currently leading Mica, she has room to grow her lead over the next three weeks. Nearly half of voters (47%) are now familiar with Murphy and her powerful story, up from 34% in September, and almost all of her growth is on the positive side. As voters learn about Murphy, her favorability rating continues to increase (31% favorable/16% unfavorable), while Mica’s negatives are on the rise – the poll finds Mica with his lowest personal standing yet.
As in previous polls in the race, the data released today indicate that Mica’s support for Trump is weighing down his reelection prospects. Hillary Clinton maintains a 10-point lead in the district, and half of voters (49%) are “very unfavorable” toward Donald Trump, while even more (52%) believe that Mica will go along with Donald Trump’s agenda. Even in the wake of Donald Trump bragging about sexual assaulting women, John Mica has continued to support the Republican nominee.
“In two polls in as many weeks, voters in Florida’s 7th are rejecting Donald Trump’s hateful, divisive campaign, and rejecting John Mica for putting his party first by standing with Trump,” said Christie Stephenson of the DCCC. “Stephanie Murphy, with her inspiring personal story and campaign for change, has strong momentum heading into the homestretch of the campaign. Voters clearly recognize that only one candidate in this race will put Central Floridians and their values first, and that’s Stephanie Murphy.”
Read the poll memo here.