Governor's Race: New Poll Shows Democrats Lead Republicans

A new poll from Virginia's Quinnipiac University indicates that Democrats currently enjoy a comfortable lead in November's Virginia governor's race, but which Democrat is likely to win the party's primary is still up in the air.

As of now, the primary is between current Lieutenant Gov. Ralph Northam and former Virginia congressman Tom Perriello.

The poll indicates either of the two would comfortably beat a Republican candidate if the election were held today, the Washington Post reports.

However, the poll also indicates six out of 10 likely voters in either party are still undecided at this point.

Northam declared his candidacy two years ago, mid-way through his term serving under current Governor Terry McAuliffe. Perriello just entered the race last month.

There are currently four candidates in the race for governor on the Republican side. The poll indicates the current front-runner is former Republican National Committee chairman Ed Gillespie, who leads with support from roughly 25 percent of likely Republican voters. Trailing Gillespie at this point are Corey Stewart, chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, with about 7 percent; State Sen. Frank Wagner of Virginia Beach with around 5 percent; and businessman Denver Riggleman with about 2 percent.

The Republican candidates are scheduled to hold their first public debate Saturday in Charlottesville.

If the election were held today, the poll indicates both Democratic candidates would beat any of the four Republican candidates, with Perriello polling just slightly above Northam.

For the poll, 989 Virginia residents were interviewed, with plus or minus about 4.7 percent accuracy.