NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Republican Virginia District 2 Congresswoman Jen Kiggans' lead over her Democratic opponent, Missy Cotter Smasal, has shrunk to just one point in the latest Christopher Newport University Wason Center for Civic Leadership poll.
The Wason Center's previous poll from mid-September had shown Kiggans with a 5-point lead over Cotter Smasal.
"Kiggans held a 20-point advantage among independents in out last survey," explained Dr. Rebecca Bromley-Trujillo, the Research Director. "In this survey, Kiggans holds a 4-point advantage."
Researchers interviewed 800 registered voters in the 2nd Congressional District from October 11-20. The poll shows Kiggans leading 46% to 45%, with a margin of error at +/-3.9%. Eight percent remain undecided in the race, down from 13% in the September survey.
"This is a very competitive race, and I expect to see a lot of competition, a lot of advertising, a lot of get-out-to-vote efforts on both sides of the aisle," said Dr. Bromley-Trujillo.
The poll also shows that among these voters, Vice President Kamala Harris leads former President Donald Trump by two points, while Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine holds a 7-point lead over Republican Hung Cao.
On the issues, voters say their top concern is inflation and the economy. Threats to democracy, immigration, and abortion round out the top four most important issues.
This will only be the second time the race takes shape in a newly drawn District 2 that leans Republican. The district no longer includes Norfolk and parts of Newport News, when it was represented by Democrat Elaine Luria, who lost to Kiggans in 2022. Nearly 60% of Virginia Beach falls in the district, along with parts of the Eastern Shore, Isle of Wight County, and Chesapeake.
The poll also shows that VA-02 voters trust Kiggans to handle military and veterans' issues, while Cotter Smasal is better trusted to handle reproductive rights.
Early voting is underway in Virginia, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
RELATED: In VA-02, Kiggans and Cotter Smasal have blanketed the local airwaves, spent millions on commercials