Kamala Harris is running Donald Trump close in his home state of Florida, according to a new US presidential election poll.
Florida has one million more registered Republicans than Democrats and Mr Trump won the state in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.
But a USA Today, Suffolk University and WSVN-TV poll found Ms Harris just five points behind Mr Trump among Florida voters, 42 per cent to 47 per cent.
David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center, told USA Today: “I was surprised that Harris is within striking distance, being only five points down.
“This poll seems to indicate that the overwhelming Republican Party registration advantage is partially offset by Kamala Harris winning independents, especially independent women.
“Florida could become more of a battleground state than anyone would have expected, especially given that there will be an abortion rights question on the statewide ballot, which could drive up turnout among women.”
Support for Ms Harris has surged in surveys since the vice president entered the race last month after President Joe Biden withdrew.
Recent polling by The New York Times and Siena College found Ms Harris ahead of Mr Trump by four points in Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, three important swing states.
Ms Harris has also pulled ahead of Mr Trump in an average of national polls from The Hill and Decision Desk HQ, up 1.4 points over the Republican.
The USA Today, Suffolk University and WSVN-TV poll was conducted between August 7 and 11.
Ms Harris entered the race after President Biden stood aside after a series of high profile gaffes cast doubt on his ability to complete another term as president given his age.
The US presidential election will be held on November 5.
