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Tight race between Evers and Michels, Barnes leads Johnson: MU Poll

Marquette interviewed 811 registered voters from Aug. 10 through Aug. 15, with the results having a margin of error of +/- 4.2 percentage points.
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MILWAUKEE — The Marquette University Law School has released its latest poll results, showing a statistical tie between Gov. Tony Evers and businessman Tim Michels in Wisconsin's governor race. Respondents meanwhile showed slightly more support for Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes compared to incumbent Sen. Ron Johnson in the state's Senate race.

Marquette interviewed 811 registered voters from Aug. 10 through Aug. 15, with the results having a margin of error of +/- 4.2 percentage points.

45% of those surveyed said they plan on voting for Evers, while 43% said they'd throw their support behind Michels. 7% said they'd support independent candidate Joan Ellis Beglinger.

WATCH: Marquette announces new poll

Tight race between Evers and Michels, Barnes leads Johnson: MU Poll

Back in June, the numbers stood at 48% for Evers and 41% for Michels. Wednesday's poll results come after Michels won the Wisconsin primary election on Aug. 9, beating former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch.

Vote for Wisconsin governor among registered voters

Poll datesEversMichelsBeglingerOtherDon’t knowRefused
8/10-15/2245437032
6/14-20/224841NA282

Within their respective parties, Evers has support from 91% of Democrats and Michels has support from 89% of Republicans, according to respondents.

When looking at Evers' approval rating, 47% of survey participants approve of how Evers has handled the job while 45% disapprove.

Evers will face off against Republican Michels and Independent Beglinger this November.

Survey participants were also asked about the race for U.S. Senate. Marquette Law School found that 44% of participants support Johnson, while 51% plan on voting for Barnes.

Table 2: Vote for U.S. Senate among registered voters

Poll datesBarnesJohnsonNeitherDon’t knowRefused
8/10-15/225144131
6/14-20/224644172

This is a change from June when Barnes had 46% and Johnson had 44%.

Marquette also asked participants about Jan. 6. 47% of survey participants said former President Donald Trump should bear "a lot" of responsibility for the U.S. Capitol insurrection and his supporters' actions.

19% said he should bear "a little" responsibility, while 31% said none at all.

The poll also found a majority, 69%, of survey participants want marijuana to be legalized in Wisconsin.

MU released the poll results during a presentation Wednesday. Watch below:

Read statements released by the candidates on Wednesday below:

Tony Evers:

"Wisconsinites trust Governor Tony Evers to do the right thing for our kids, our economy, and working families, and this latest Marquette poll shows what we’ve known all along — this will be one of the most competitive races in the country and we aren’t taking anything for granted. While Tim Michels continues to embrace the most radical, out of touch agenda for our state, Wisconsinites recognize that Governor Evers cares about people like them. Governor Evers has spent the last four years bringing people together to get things done and delivering for working families — and he is ready for what’s ahead."

Tim Michels' campaign manager, Patrick McNulty:

"Tony Evers is in trouble. Tim Michels was at zero percent in the polls in April and has been underestimated ever since. But we're building the campaign that grows every day. You need to look no further than the tens of millions in out-of-state special interest money flooding in to prop up Tony Evers to know everyone realizes Wisconsin is on the wrong track."

Mandela Barnes:

"TODAY, the most recent polling showed us beating Ron Johnson by 7 points in the General and 14 points with Independents. People are DONE being represented by an out-of-touch, self-serving multimillionaire like Ron Johnson.

This is what a people-powered coalition can do."

Ron Johnson's campaign has yet to release a statement on the new polling.

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