Northam Leads Gillespie By Eight Points In New Poll

MCLEAN, VA — Democrat Ralph Northam has an eight point lead over Republican Ed Gillespie in the governor's race, according to a Wednesday Quinnipiac University poll. The poll also indicates the economy and health care are top issues for voters.

Northam leads Gillespie 47 percent to 39 percent in the first independent poll after the June 13 primary. Northam, the current lieutenant governor gained more support among women and minorities, while Gillespie led with white voters. Quinnipiac surveyed 1,145 Virginia voters from June 15-20.

"Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam begins the general election as the favorite to become the Old Dominion's next governor. But not an overwhelming one," Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll, said in a statement. "The Democrat's margin over Republican Ed Gillespie is a product of national and Virginia factors."

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The candidates have nearly unanimous support among their parties, but Gillespie slightly edges Northam among independent voters 40 percent to 38 percent.

In the poll, 31 percent of voters said the economy was the top issue, while 30 percent said health care. Gillespie led 42 percent to 38 percent on the economy, while Northam led 46 percent to 33 percent on health care.

SEE ALSO: Virginia Primary Election Results 2017: Northam Vs. Gillespie For Governor

The poll indicates Northam's role in Gov. Terry McAuliffe's administration helps. McAuliffe's approval rating is 47 percent to 37 percent, a five percent drop since the last polling on April 11.

Virginia's general election is Nov. 7. The state is one of two (along with New Jersey) holding governor's races this year. The statewide election will be one of the first voter responses after the election of President Trump in 2016.

See the full poll results here.

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