Statewide polling shows Sen. Murray with double-digit lead over Republican challenger

Sen. Murray on student loans WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 09: Chairman Patty Murray, (D-WA) makes her opening statement before testimony by Xavier Becerra, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), before a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee at the U.S. Capitol Hill on June 9, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis-Pool/Getty Images/Getty Images)

By Jordan Duncan

With two months to go until the August general elections, Washington state Senator Patty Murray currently holds a double-digit lead over Republican challenger Tiffany Smiley in the most recent statewide polling, according to the Northwest Progressive Institute.

Of the 1,039 Washington state residents polled, 51% said they would vote for Murray, compared to just 40% who said they would vote for Smiley, giving Murray an 11-point lead over the likely Republican opponent; 8% said they were not sure.

The polling uses a blended methodology that includes automated phone calls to landlines and text message answers from cell phone respondents.

According to NPI, Murray’s lead was at nine points in February, down from 13 back in November 2021 and 16 in May 2021.

In each of NPI’s statewide surveys this cycle, Murray has received 50% or greater support each time. “This consistent majority support indicates … that Murray is well positioned for reelection,” NPI’s blog says.