New MA Poll: Healey, Recession Fears Make Gains

BOSTON, MA — One of the last major polls ahead of the Nov. 8 election shows that Massachusetts residents are in favor of a Democratic governor, a new tax on millionaires and granting licenses to undocumented residents.

The Boston Globe-Suffolk University poll released Tuesday also more broadly assessed how state residents are feeling about the economy. The poll showed that fears of a recession are on the rise compared to September, and only about 15 percent of residents polled felt the economy was still in recovery mode following the height of the pandemic.

The poll found key gains for candidates and issues on the November ballot. Attorney General Healey gained about 5 points compared to a September poll, and GOP candidate Geoff Diehl gained 7 points; the share of voters in favor of repealing a law granting licenses to undocumented residents was flat compared to September, but the number in favor of keeping it increased, the poll found.

Here are some other highlights from the poll:

Gubernatorial race:

• Maura Healey (D) — 56.4%
• Geoff Diehl (R) — 33.2%

Question 1 (4% tax on a portion of income above $1 million for education, transportation)

• Yes — 58.4%
• No — 37.4%

Keep law allowing undocumented residents to seek driver licenses?

• Yes — 56.4%
• No — 38.4%

The poll was conducted between Oct. 13 and 16 with results from about 500 likely voters, according to the Boston Globe. The poll has a margin of error of 4.4 points.