Swing State Polls: How Donald Trump, Joe Biden Are Doing In Two Important States

Democratic nominee Joe Biden leads President Donald Trump in Michigan and the two candidates are tied in North Carolina, according to two Reuters/Ipsos polls released Tuesday.

Biden has a 5-point lead over Trump in Michigan, 49%-44%. The poll shows that Michigan voters view Biden as better suited to tackle the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with Trump seen as more capable of managing the economy.

In 2016, Trump’s strength with working-class voters allowed him to edge Hillary Clinton in Michigan by 10,704 votes. Trump's Michigan victory was the first for a Republican presidential candidate since 1988.

Trump may have a more difficult time in 2020 in winning Michigan, a state that has 16 electoral votes. Michigan's gubernatorial race in 2018 went convincingly to Democrat Gretchen Whitmer, who defeated Republican Bill Schuette, 53.3%-43.8%., while Sen. Debbie Stabenow also held her seat in 2018 with a victory over Republican John James, 52.3%-45.8%.

In North Carolina, both candidates are at 47% support. Polls indicate that Biden again has an edge on Trump when it comes to handling the coronavirus, with Trump having an advantage when it comes to the economy.

Trump held off Clinton in North Carolina, 49.8%-46.1%. North Carolina, which has 15 electoral votes, will be one of the most-watched states on Election Day. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis and Democratic challenger Cal Cunningham are locked in a tight battle. The gubernatorial election has Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, with a big lead on Republican challenger Dan Forest.

In 2008, former President Barack Obama edged Sen. John McCain in North Carolina but failed to hold the state in 2012. Biden is relying on turnout from cities such as Charlotte and Raleigh, while Trump is hoping for support from rural voters to pull off another win.

Recent polls show Biden with a strong lead over Trump in the general election. A Morning Consult poll released Monday showed Biden with a 7-point nationwide lead over Trump, 48% to 41%.