Lamont Leads Fazio by 17 Points in New Connecticut Governor's Race Poll

CONNECTICUT — Governor Ned Lamont holds a 17 point lead over Republican challenger Ryan Fazio in a new Quinnipiac University poll of likely Connecticut voters.

The poll found that 55 percent support Lamont, a Democrat, while 38 percent support Fazio. Five percent remain undecided, and 2 percent did not provide an answer.

The survey included 1,288 likely Connecticut voters and was conducted from September 8 through September 14. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.

Connecticut voters will decide the race during the November 3 general election.

Differences Among Voter Groups

The results show significant differences based on political affiliation and gender.

Lamont receives support from 93 percent of Democrats, while Fazio receives support from 86 percent of Republicans.

Among unaffiliated voters, the contest is closer. Lamont receives 48 percent, compared with 42 percent for Fazio. Eight percent of unaffiliated voters remain undecided.

Lamont holds a substantial advantage among women, leading 64 percent to 30 percent.

Fazio leads among men, receiving 47 percent compared with Lamont's 44 percent.

Fazio Faces a Name Recognition Challenge

The survey indicates that many Connecticut voters still do not know enough about Fazio to form an opinion.

Forty five percent of likely voters said they had not heard enough about him. Twenty eight percent viewed him favorably, while 25 percent viewed him unfavorably.

Lamont is considerably better known after serving as governor since 2019. Fifty percent of likely voters have a favorable opinion of him, while 36 percent have an unfavorable opinion.

Quinnipiac Poll Director Doug Schwartz said Fazio faces a name recognition disadvantage while challenging an incumbent governor in a state with more Democratic voters.

Additional advertising, campaign appearances and debates may help more voters become familiar with Fazio before Election Day.

However, the poll currently shows Lamont with a significant advantage.

Cost of Living and Economy Lead Voter Concerns

The cost of living is the most important issue for 27 percent of likely voters. The economy follows at 23 percent.

Taxes are the leading concern for 11 percent, while immigration is most important to 10 percent. Healthcare was selected by 8 percent.

Lamont performs better among voters who identify the cost of living, the economy and healthcare as their most important concerns.

Among voters focused primarily on taxes, Fazio leads 72 percent to 22 percent. He also leads 63 percent to 36 percent among those who identify immigration as their principal concern.

The poll found that 52 percent of likely voters believe they are financially worse off than they were one year ago. Twenty eight percent believe they are better off, while 18 percent said their financial situation is approximately the same.

The Election Is Not Decided

Public opinion polls measure voter preferences during a particular period. They do not predict the final result with certainty.

Campaign advertising, debates, major news events and voter participation can affect the race before November.

The poll also found that 70 percent of voters supporting a candidate said they were not likely to change their minds. Another 18 percent said they were not very likely to change.

The available polling currently identifies Lamont as the leading candidate. Fazio's campaign will need to increase his recognition and persuade unaffiliated and undecided voters if it is to reduce the difference before Election Day.