MANCHESTER, N.H. – With just over two months left until Manchester’s next municipal election, the campaign of incumbent Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais has released an internal poll indicating a commanding lead in his race against challenger Jess Spillers.
Within the poll, Ruais received 61% to 21% positive versus negative approval rating among all Manchester voters. When broken down by partisan identity, Ruais still led among Republicans (80% to 12%), Democrats (41% to 32%) and independents (64% to 20%).
Regarding likely voting intentions, Ruais led Spillers by a rate of 54% to 14%, including a 37% to 22% split with Democrats and 58% to 7% split with independents.
Additionally, the poll reported a 49% to 30% split when respondents were asked whether Manchester was heading in the right direction, versus a 42% to 42% split in December 2022.
Ruais’ campaign spokesman released the following statement relating to the poll announcement.
“Following the endorsements from the IAFF Local 856 representing the city’s firefighters, the Manchester Police Patrolman’s Association and the Manchester Association of Police Supervisors, this poll is more proof that Jay’s momentum continues to grow. It is evident that his relentless focus on bipartisan, pragmatic solutions on homelessness, public safety, affordable housing and protecting the tax cap is being recognized and appreciated by the City of Manchester as he seeks a second term.”
The poll was conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, which describes itself as a platform for fast, accurate public opinion surveys for political candidates, advocacy groups and businesses.
Pulse reached 300 likely Manchester general election voters with live phone calls, with a division of 32% Republicans, 33% Independents and 35% Democrats. These voters were reached from Aug. 13 to 16. The margin of error for the poll is +/- 5.7%