WASHINGTON D.C. – A new Cygnal poll released today in North Carolina shows Republicans with a 6-point lead on the generic ballot as voters are reeling from high gas prices and record inflation. More than four-in-ten respondents indicated “addressing inflation and the rising cost of living” or “rebuilding our economy and creating good jobs” should be a top priority for Congress.
The poll, which fielded March 30 – March 31, included 513 likely 2022 general election voters and has a margin of error of ±4.3%. The results show a near-majority of North Carolina voters believe the state is off on the wrong track (49%) and plan to vote for the Republican candidate for Congress (GOP: 50% – Dem: 44%).
“With a strong generic ballot advantage, the mid-term momentum for Republicans is alive and well in North Carolina,” said Brock McCleary, Cygnal’s VP of Polling. “With so much concern about the state of the economy and inflation, it’s going to be tough sledding for Democrats to improve their position.”
The poll also included hypothetical matchups between the two key Republican primary nominee hopefuls, Former Governor Pat McCrory and Rep. Tedd Budd, against Democrat Cheri Beasley, former state Supreme Court Justice, each vying to replace retiring Sen. Richard Burr.
Between the two tested Republicans, Budd has a slight advantage and holds a slim 1.5-point lead over Beasley (Budd: 44.6% / Beasley: 43.1%), but both included head-to-head matchups are well within the margin of error (McCrory: 41% / Beasley: 40.7%).
The toplines, crosstabs, and a deck with key insights and analysis can be viewed and downloaded below.