WASHINGTON, D.C. – Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb is cruising to an easy re-election, according to a poll conducted by Cygnal, a national polling and survey research firm. Cygnal’s poll shows Holcomb with a commanding lead over Democratic challenger Woody Myers, just days ahead of the November 3rd election.
“The unique circumstances of the 2016 gubernatorial campaign—with then-Governor Pence withdrawing from the race to run on the ticket with President Trump—allowed Democrats to run closer than they otherwise would have,” said Brent Buchanan, Cygnal’s CEO and founder. “Governor Holcomb won a tough race in 2016 and has since established himself as a leader Hoosiers can trust, and he’s coasting to an easy re-elect.”
The Cygnal survey, conducted October 21 – 23, with 600 likely general election voters, shows Holcomb leading Myers 47% to 29%, with Libertarian Donald Rainwater pulling in 15%, and 10% of voters still undecided. Cygnal conducted the poll in partnership with the Ready Education Network, a national coalition focused on improving education.
Holcomb is widely known with an 84% name ID. His net favorability is +23. Conversely, only 38% of Hoosiers are familiar with Myers, who has a +15 net favorability.
Holcomb leads by 14 points with women, 23 points with men, he’s ahead by 2 points among voters under the age of 50 and has a massive 29-point lead with voters age 50+, and leads among voters in every income bracket.
Regarding Covid-19, slightly more Indiana voters are concerned about its public health impact than the economic fallout (49% public health – 45% economy).
“Indiana remains a deeply conservative state, with voters preferring the Republican on the generic congressional ballot by 12 points,” said Chris Kratzer, Vice President of Research and Analysis at Cygnal. “Indiana voters are slightly more concerned about Covid’s public health impact than the economic effects—a reminder that voters in conservative states are still very conscious of the public health dangers that the virus poses.”
Cygnal’s survey also tested how voters view U.S. Senators Todd Young and Mike Braun. Young has a name ID of 58% and a +10 net favorability. Braun’s name ID is 63% and his net favorability is +9.
With many of the nation’s public schools opting to not hold in-classroom instruction, 56% of
Indiana voters support allowing parents to control a portion of the tax dollars that are designated for their children’s education if their school is closed for in-person learning. 69% of Republicans, 53% of Independents, and a plurality of Democrats (41%) support the proposal. Only 20% of voters overall oppose the idea.
“There is overwhelming public support across party lines in Indiana for giving parents access to the tax dollars dedicated to their children’s education when schools are closed,” said Luke Ragland, President of Ready Education Network. “Policymakers must find ways to make sure all families can get critical resources in these challenging times. Our education system needs to serve every child, no matter where they are learning.”
This advanced mixed-mode survey was conducted on October 21 – 23, with 600 likely general election voters, giving the poll a margin of error of ±4.00%. Interviews were conducted using live agents calling cell phones and landlines, along with an online sample acquired via SMS and email invitations sent to known registered voters.
Cygnal is not working with any candidate or independent expenditure in the Indiana Governor’s race.
The toplines can be found below. You can download the xtabs for this survey here.