Kamala Harris Faces Tight Race as Future Forward PAC Leader Cautions on Polling Data

CHICAGO: The founder of Future Forward, the main super PAC supporting Kamala Harris‘ presidential campaign, has issued a cautionary note regarding the optimism shown in public opinion polls. Despite Harris’ strong showing in public polls, Chauncey McLean, president of Future Forward, stated that their internal polling data reveals a much closer race in key battleground states.

Speaking at an event hosted by the University of Chicago Institute of Politics, McLean emphasized that the numbers his group is seeing are “much less rosy” than those in the public domain. Future Forward, which has raised hundreds of millions of dollars to support Harris in the upcoming November election, is gearing up for an intense advertising campaign, with $250 million left to spend on digital and television ads.

Harris has gained momentum since becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee, leading in national polls and pulling ahead in several battleground states. However, McLean warned that Harris has yet to fully rebuild the coalition that propelled President Joe Biden to victory in 2020, particularly among Black, Hispanic, and young voters.

The super PAC’s polling data highlights Pennsylvania as the most crucial state, describing the race there as a “coin flip.” McLean noted that Harris must win one of three key states—Pennsylvania, North Carolina, or Georgia—to secure the presidency.

McLean also pointed out that while Harris has multiple paths to victory, with states like Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina now in play, the race remains extremely tight. He emphasized the importance of Harris providing more detailed policy positions to differentiate herself from Biden and appeal to voters looking for concrete economic solutions.

As the election approaches, McLean’s message underscores the challenges Harris faces in converting her polling lead into an electoral victory.