In the lead-up to the pivotal Virginia gubernatorial election, Democrat Abigail Spanberger is enjoying a notable 11-point advantage over her Republican opponent, Winsome Earle-Sears, according to the latest poll by Emerson College Polling in collaboration with The Hill.

The survey indicates that Spanberger commands 55% of the voter support compared to Earle-Sears’ 44%. The poll, conducted between October 30 and 31, gathered responses from 880 highly probable voters across the state.

“As we approach Election Day, it’s clear that Democrat Abigail Spanberger has established herself as the leading contender in the gubernatorial race,” commented Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling. “An interesting development is Spanberger’s growing appeal among male voters—a demographic that was previously split but now favors her by a margin of six points, 52% to 46%. This is particularly significant given that this group supported Governor Youngkin by approximately 12 points in the 2021 election.”

The poll also reveals a tightening contest in the race for Virginia’s attorney general. Democratic challenger Jay Jones holds a narrow lead over incumbent Jason Miyares, with Jones receiving 49% of voter support compared to Miyares’ 47%. A small portion, 2%, remain undecided.

“The dynamics in the attorney general race differ from the gubernatorial contest, as early and likely voters are showing divergent preferences,” noted Kimball. “Among those who have already cast their ballots, Jones leads with 56% to Miyares’ 44%, whereas voters who are yet to vote lean towards Miyares, 50% to 43%. Additionally, male voters tend to support Miyares, 50% to 46%, while female voters are more inclined to back Jones, 51% to 45%.”

“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.