Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is trailing a potential Democratic challenger by double digits in his quest for a third term.
According to a new NBC/Marist poll released Thursday, Walker trails Tony Evers, the state schools superintendent and front-runner for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination by 13 points, 54 percent to 41 percent. Five percent of voters are undecided.
Evers is the clear leader in a crowded primary to face Walker, who is seeking a third term in office. Evers leads with 26 percent over nine other Democrats, none of whom register in double digits.
According to the poll, only 34 percent of respondents believe Walker deserves to be re-elected to the governor’s mansion. Sixty-one percent believe a new person should be given a chance.
Walker is seeking a third term after three statewide victories, including his 2012 recall election win in response to his push to curb the power of unions.
Additionally, trouble is also brewing for whoever emerges from the Republican primary to take on Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., in November.
Kevin Nicholson leads state Sen. Leah Vukmir by a 3-point margin (38-35 percent). Nicholson, a former Democrat, leads Vukmir despite the state lawmaker receiving the lions share of support from power brokers in the state, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis.. She also won the endorsement from the Republican Party of Wisconsin.
The state’s primary contests are slated for August 14.
