Poll: Ayotte Edging Out Hassan in New Hampshire Senate Race

Earlier this month, Republican senator Kelly Ayotte committed what was supposed to be a devastating gaffe when she said Donald Trump would “absolutely” be a role model for her children. But a new poll released Tuesday morning suggests the first-term New Hampshire senator is still very much alive with a small lead over her Democratic opponent, Maggie Hassan—and that Trump may have less impact on voters’ decision down-ballot in that state than previously thought.

The latest WBZ-University of Massachusetts poll of New Hampshire likely voters finds the incumbent Ayotte with 46 percent support and Hassan (who is the sitting governor of the state) with 43 percent support. When undecided voters are asked to say who they lean toward among the candidates, Ayotte earns 48 percent support and Hassan 44 percent.

When asked in an October 3 debate with Hassan if the GOP presidential nominee, Donald Trump, would be considered a “role model” for her kids, Ayotte said: “I think that certainly there are many role models that we have, and I believe he can serve as president and so, absolutely. I would do that.”

She quickly walked back that remark and has since renounced her support for Trump, following the release of the 2005 audio of Trump speaking lewdly about sexual acts with women. But according to the WBZ-UMass poll, likely voters are saying the Republican presidential nominee is having little impact on their support for Ayotte. Just 19 percent say Trump’s nomination makes them less likely to support Ayotte, while 15 percent say it makes them more likely. Sixty-four percent, meanwhile, say it makes no difference.

The poll is a bright spot in otherwise rough few weeks for Ayotte, who has seen her poll numbers drop (and Hassan’s rise) throughout the month of October. According to the Real Clear Politics average of polls, Hassan maintains a two-point lead over Ayotte—though this average does not incorporate the latest WBZ-UMass poll.

Related Content