Vance less popular than Walz: Pre-debate polling

Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), former President Trump's running mate, is less popular than his Democratic counterpart Gov. Tim Walz (D-Minn.), a new survey found just days before the two face off in the vice-presidential debate.

The poll, conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, found that about half of voters, or 49 percent, have an unfavorable view of Vance, up from a previous poll in July. Walz scores more favorably, per the data, with 40 percent having a favorable view and 32 percent having a less favorable view of the Democratic governor.

Vance and Walz are set to head to New York Tuesday for their first and only debate on CBS.

The Ohio senator has been sharply criticized for spreading a false rumor about Haitian migrants eating pets in a small Ohio town. The unfounded claim was then further amplified by Trump during his first, and likely only, debate with Vice President Harris and caused the area to experience fallout.

Walz has been criticized by Republicans over his progressive policy positions and how he’s represented his military service.

The anticipated debate will give both candidates an opportunity to voice their platforms and introduce themselves to the American public.

The survey found that over time, as voters have been introduced to Vance as Trump’s VP nominee, he’s become more unpopular. Walz has become more popular since joining the Democratic ticket, the survey results show.

Just under 25 percent of respondents say they don’t know enough about Vance to have an unfavorable or favorable view on him, and 28 percent say the same about Walz.

The Hill/Decision Desk HQ's polling index shows the Ohio Republican with a 38 percent favorability rating compared to the Minnesota Democrats' 43.3 percent. Vance edges Walz out on unfavorability, with 48.9 percent to Walz's has 40.5 percent, per the data.

The NORC survey was conducted Sept. 12-16 among 1,771 voters and has a margin of error of 3.4 percentage points.