Former “Black Hawk Down” U.S. Army aviator Mike Durant continues to lead Alabama’s 2022 race for the U.S. Senate, according to newly released polling.
In coordination with WHNT News 19, an Emerson College Polling and The Hill poll was conducted March 25-27. The poll consists of 687 likely Republican primary voters and holds a margin of error of plus or minus 3.7%.
Poll results are as follows:
- Mike Durant — 33%
- Katie Britt — 23%
- Mo Brooks — 12%
- Other — 6%
- Undecided — 26%
This marks the first poll to be publicized since former President Donald Trump rescinded his endorsement of U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville). The poll is consistent with the past two that were conducted, which showed Durant holding steady in the lower 30% range with former Business Council of Alabama head Katie Britt well ahead of Brooks for second place.
Regarding the edge endorsements provide, Emerson College Polling executive director Spencer Kimball provided insight into how much weight an endorsement from Trump or U.S. Sen Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa) carries among the Republican electorate.
Shelby has publicly stated his intentions to financially support Britt, who formerly served his Senate office as chief of staff. Both Britt and Durant have recently met with Trump in an attempt to land the 45th president’s endorsement.
Kimball detailed that “the majority (52%) of Republican primary voters say Donald Trump’s endorsement makes them more likely to support a candidate. Senator Shelby’s endorsement holds less weight; 46% say it makes no difference to their vote.”
“Whether Durant or Britt clinches the nomination might depend on who former President Trump chooses to endorse,” added Kimball. “Among the 26% of Republican primary voters who are undecided, 60% are more likely to vote for a candidate if Trump endorses them.”
Should no candidate garner more than 50% of the vote in the May 24, 2022, GOP primary election, a runoff election will be held on June 21, 2022.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article has been updated to reflect that the poll was conducted in coordination with Nexstar’s WHNT News 19.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
