New Emerson poll finds Spanberger leads Earle-Sears in Virginia’s governor race

(WAVY) -- Ahead of the Virginia gubernatorial election, Democrat Abigail Spanberger is leading Republican Winsome Earle-Sears by 11 points in a new Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey.

The poll found Spanberger with 55% to Earle-Sears' 44%. It was conducted from Oct. 30-31 and polled 880 very likely voters in the Commonwealth.

"Heading into Election Day, Democrat Abigail Spanberger has solidified her status as the frontrunner in the race for Governor," Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling said. "A sign of Spanberger's growing strength is among male voters, a group that was split last month but now breaks for her by six points, 52% to 46%. These voters backed Governor Youngkin by about 12 points in 2021."

Moreover, the survey shows a decreased margin between candidates for Virginia attorney general, incumbent Jason Miyares and Democratic challenger Jay Jones. Jones holds a 2-point lead with 49% saying they would vote for him, and 47% saying they would vote for Miyares. 2% are undecided.

"Unlike the governor's race, early and likely voters split in opposite directions: those who have already voted favor Jones 56% to 44%, while those yet to vote back Miyares 50% to 43%," Kimball said. "Men break for Miyares 50% to 46%, while women side with Jones 51% to 45%."

The top issue for Virginia voters was the economy at 39%, followed by threats to democracy at 16%, healthcare at 10%, immigration at 9%, education at 7%, housing affordability at 6%.

"Those who say the economy is the top issue facing the state break for Spanberger, 53% to 46%, typically a group that breaks for the Republican candidate, like in New Jersey, where voters who say the economy is the top issue break for the Republican Ciattarelli over Democrat Sherrill for governor, 59% to 39%," Kimball said.