New Poll: Jennifer McCormick Is In Dead Heat Race With Mike Braun

Indiana Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jennifer McCormick has significant signs of momentum in the race for Indiana Governor. Both recent polling and independent race ratings show McCormick has a path to the statehouse.

A recent poll conducted by GBAO on behalf of the Democratic Governors Association showed a toss-up race, with McCormick “well within striking distance” and “running far ahead of Democratic performance.” The poll showed McCormick just 3 points behind Mike Braun (44% to 41%), with Libertarian Donald Rainwater garnering 8 percent – three points less than he won in 2020. Looking beyond the horse race numbers, the signs of McCormick’s momentum are unmistakable:

• McCormick has almost completely consolidated her Democratic base (93%), holds a double-digit lead among Independents (42% to 32%), and is already winning nearly 1-in-5 moderate Republicans.
• Braun is a uniquely unpopular figure – the only statewide official tested with a net unfavorable rating (28% favorable, 36% unfavorable).
• McCormick is trusted more than Braun on a wide variety of the issues that voters care about most in this election, including improving Indiana’s public schools (46% to 35%), abortion (46% to 36%), helping families afford the basics (42% to 39%), and listening to people like you (41% to 38%).
• When it comes to SB1, Indiana’s first-in-the-nation abortion ban, a majority of voters agree with McCormick’s plan to repeal the law. In contrast, only 1-in-3 voters support Braun’s position to keep and enforce the controversial near-total abortion ban.

“Voters recognize that Jennifer McCormick represents the common sense and balanced leadership that Hoosiers want,” said Margie Omero, principal at GBAO. “That’s why Jennifer is gaining support from Independent and moderate Republican voters across the state.”

In addition to polling trends, nonpartisan analysts and both U.S. News and Inside Elections with Nathan Gonzales have adjusted their outlook for the race, moving it in McCormick’s favor. The shift reflects a growing belief that McCormick’s commonsense vision for Indiana resonates with voters across the spectrum.

“Jennifer’s campaign has always been about connecting with Hoosiers on the issues that matter most to them: restoring abortion freedoms, education, and economic opportunity,” said Kelly Wittman, campaign manager. “The latest polling and race ratings show Jennifer’s message of balance is getting through, and the momentum is firmly on our side.”