A poll of New Jersey voters found former President Donald Trump within single digits of President Joe Biden in the traditionally blue state in a hypothetical 2024 matchup.
The survey showed 46% would vote for Biden and 39% for Trump, a seven point difference. When third party candidates were included, Biden’s lead shrank to five points, with the economy, immigration and other issues favoring Trump among top concerns.
“One of the other things I’m going to do — and I may be foolish in doing it — is I’m going to make a heavy play for New York, heavy play for New Jersey, heavy play for Virginia, heavy play for New Mexico, and a heavy play for a state that hasn’t been won in years, Minnesota,” Trump said.
📊 New Jersey GE: Emerson/The Hill
🟦 Biden 46% (+7)
🟥 Trump 39%
.
🟦 Biden 41% (+5)
🟥 Trump 36%
🟨 RFK Jr 8%
🟨 West 1%
🟩 Stein 1%
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Job approval
Booker: 41-34 (+7)
Biden: 40-47 (-7)
Menendez: 14-62 (-48)
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538: #9 (2.9/3.0) | D38/R24/I38https://t.co/oOTPR1QOZl pic.twitter.com/UVfexPxtmV— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) April 2, 2024
The poll suggests Trump has made inroads in New Jersey as he has pledged to campaign heavily in blue states in 2024, including through rallies in the state.
His strategy aims to put pressure on Biden and make gains in locations not won by Republicans in recent elections.
“I’m going to do rallies. I’m going to do speeches. I’m going to work them,” Trump added. “That doesn’t mean I’m going to work them as hard as I work Pennsylvania, where I’m doing very well.”
“But we’re going to do these other states too, and it will be a heavy move,” Trump said. “I may rent Madison Square Garden, and that’s the belly of the beast, right?”