Poll shows Democrats leading federal races, New Hampshire governorship tied

A poll released by the University of New Hampshire on Sunday shows Democratic candidates holding leads in three of four major races across the region heading into Tuesday's election. The survey, conducted for 7NEWS, finds one race in a statistical tie.

In the Massachusetts gubernatorial contest, incumbent Democrat Mauray Healey leads Republican challenger Mike Minogue by 19 points. Healey commands 55 percent of the vote, while Minogue sits at 36 percent. Independent candidate Ashley James has 4 percent support among likely voters.

Andy Smith, director of the UNH Survey Center, said President Trump is influencing voter behavior. Smith noted that Democratic voters in New England are motivated to vote, with each ballot serving as a rejection of Trump. He stated that this enthusiasm makes it difficult for Republican candidates to attract those voters.

Massachusetts U.S. Senate candidate Ed Markey leads Republican attorney John Deaton by 21 points in the state's federal race. The margin indicates a clear preference for the incumbent among surveyed likely voters.

In New Hampshire, U.S. Congressman Chris Pappas holds a 12 point lead over former Senator John Sununu for the U.S. Senate seat. Pappas has 54 percent of the vote, while Sununu has 42 percent.

The New Hampshire gubernatorial race appears too close to call. Incumbent Republican Kelly Ayotte and Democratic challenger Ciny Warmington are tied at 48 percent. Software developer Stephen Villee has 2 percent of support. Smith said the race is driven by Democratic turnout in the Senate contest, which will likely extend down the ticket to the governor's race.