U.S. Republican presidential hopefuls poll

September 26, 2023 - A new national NBC News poll finds former President Donald Trump expanding his national lead in the Republican presidential nominating contest to 43 points over his nearest rival.

The second Republican presidential debate takes place on Wednesday at 21:00ET (01:00GMT on September 28).

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Trump leads the first-choice field with 59% of national Republican primary voters. In comparison, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gets support from 16% -- followed by former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley at 7% and former Vice President Mike Pence at 4%.

The poll includes an all-time high disapproval of Biden’s job performance. Fewer than 4 in 10 voters (37%) approve of his handling of the economy.

“This survey is a startling flashing red light for an incumbent party,” said Republican pollster Bill McInturff of Public Opinion Strategies. McInturff conducted the September 15-19 poll with Democratic pollster Jeff Horwitt and his team at Hart Research Associates.

“Yes, the numbers for Biden aren’t where he needs them to be,” said Horwitt. However, Trump and Republicans have challenges, such as the GOP front-runner’s unpopularity with the general electorate.