With Election Day looming, a Utah congressman appears to be on the verge of clinching a decisive victory in the U.S. Senate race.
Rep. John Curtis leads Democratic rival Caroline Gleich by 35 points, according to polling numbers, indicating strong voter support as the election to replace outgoing Sen. Mitt Romney approaches on Nov 5, as the Deseret News reports.
A recent Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics survey places Curtis 35 percentage points ahead of Gleich. In the three-way race, Curtis garners 55% of the vote, while Gleich lags behind at 20%, and Independent American candidate Carlton Bowen rounds out third with 4%. Notably, 21% of those polled remain undecided.
When those uncertain voters were prompted, Curtis’ lead extended further, with his support climbing to 65%. Gleich's support saw an increase to 24%, and Bowen's rose to 10%. This poll, conducted between Oct. 15 and 19, surveyed 813 registered Utah voters and reported a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points.
Corey Norman, Curtis’ campaign manager, emphasized the candidate's commitment to Utah's priorities, highlighting Curtis’ dedication to preserving public lands, confronting adversaries, and putting Utah residents first. "We’re energized," Norman stated, indicating the campaign's push to maintain voter engagement in these final days before the election.
Republican Rep. Curtis has been on a solid upward trajectory since his campaign announcement in January. Curtis has managed to secure substantial backing across various ideological groups -- obtaining 80% of Republican, 71% of conservative, 45% of moderate, and one-third of liberal voter support.
A similar poll in August also showed Curtis with a 34-point advantage over Gleich, reinforcing his standing among voters early on. An additional poll conducted earlier in October by Noble Predictive Insights recorded Curtis with a 30-point lead, illustrating consistent support for the incumbent.
Democratic Party candidate Gleich, despite the broad gap, interprets the number of undecided voters as indicative of discontent with current political circumstances. She contrasts herself with Curtis, noting her track record in environmental advocacy and dedication to prioritizing the people of Utah over political interests.
Deseret News/Hinckley Institute polling partner Jason Perry commented on Curtis’ candidacy, saying Curtis has been a prominent figure since being discussed as a potential Senate contender, highlighting his steady rise in the political landscape.
With mail-in ballots distributed to voters in Utah, Election Day is promptly approaching on Nov. 5. The Curtis campaign aims to maintain its momentum, facing the challenge of not only attracting undecided voters but also ensuring a high turnout among his supporters.
Meanwhile, Gleich continues to appeal to those who may be disillusioned with the status quo, asserting that she brings fresh ideas and a unique perspective to the table. Her campaign emphasizes the stark choice between Curtis, whom she labels a "career politician," and herself, a proven advocate for environmental issues.
As Election Day draws nearer, Curtis’ substantial lead represents a formidable challenge for Gleich. The patterns seen in these polls suggest a potential reshaping of Utah’s political landscape, signifying Curtis' possible imminent transition into a Senate seat.
Rep. John Curtis' commanding poll lead over Caroline Gleich with Election Day on the horizon suggests a possible political shift for Utah. Consistent showings in past polls, combined with robust support across the electorate, bolster Curtis' standing. Moreover, while Gleich seeks to connect with undecided and discontented voters, she appears to face a significant uphill battle.
