A poll obtained by Yellowhammer News shows State Rep. Paul DeMarco (R-Homewood) well positioned to take first place in the upcoming Republican primary in Alabama’s 6th Congressional District, with State Sen. Scott Beason (R-Gardendale), Dr. Chad Mathis and businessman Will Brooke fighting for the second spot in a likely runoff.
The poll was conducted by nationally known public opinion research firm McLaughlin & Associates, whose political clients have included all the national Republican committees, the Alabama Republican Party, six sitting U.S. senators, 20 sitting U.S. congressmen, numerous former presidential candidates and a who’s who of the corporate world. McLaughlin & Associates is not tied to any of the candidates currently running in Alabama’s 6th Congressional District.
When respondents were asked who they would be voting for on June 3rd, 31% said they would be casting their ballot for DeMarco, 20% for Beason and 13% each for Mathis and Brooke. Former conservative think tank president Gary Palmer came in at 7%, while 15% remain undecided going into the home stretch.
DeMarco’s favorability rating is also through the roof. 56% of respondents hold a favorable view of the state legislator, while only 7% view him unfavorably. No other candidate is close to that ratio of favorability.
One thing that could help the first-time candidates in the race, however, is that 63% of voters say they would prefer someone who is “new to politics,” while only 28% would prefer someone “with experience.”
41% of voters said economic issues are there top priority. 28% said they are most concerned with social issues, 20% said “honesty and integrity” and 2% said national security was their top issue.
The poll surveyed 400 likely Republican voters in Alabama’s 6th Congressional District and has a 4.9% margin of error.
Seven Republicans are vying for the 6th Congressional District seat. The primary is set for June 3rd. If no candidate reaches 50% in the primary, the top two candidates will go on to a runoff.
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