ROANOKE, Va. – Roanoke College has released its poll for the upcoming races in the Star City.
The poll shows Vice Mayor Joe Cobb holding a significant lead in the Roanoke mayoral race, with 50% support. This is ahead of former Mayor David Bowers at 26% and Councilwoman Stephanie Moon Reynolds, who trails with 18%.
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In the Roanoke City Council race, several candidates are vying for three open seats, including Terry McGuire, Phazhon Nash, Evelyn Powers, Benjamin Woods, Nick Hagen, Jim Garrett and Cathy Reynolds. Here’s what the poll reveals:
- Terry McGuire is leading at 54%, with Nash following closely behind him at 51%
- Evelyn Powers (35%), Benjamin Woods (34%) and Nick Hagen (33%) are in a close contest for the third seat
- Jim Garrett isn’t far behind with 28%; Cathy Reynolds has 10%
The poll is based on responses from 655 likely registered voters in Roanoke City. It was conducted between Oct. 22 and 27 by the Institute for Policy and Opinion Research and has a margin of error of 4.8%.
What else does the poll indicate?
According to the results, economic development was chosen as the most important local issue by 23% of likely voters, followed by crime (19%), homelessness (16%) and housing (14%). Other issues listed as most important included education (9%), city hall management (6%), zoning (5%) and jobs (2%).
Additionally, the poll reveals that voters are divisive on issues such as land development and preservation near Valley View Mall, with 39% thinking the land across I-581 from Valley View Mall should be preserved and 32% thinking it should be developed.
Voters also strongly favor the new council selecting the next manager.
“The mayoral election does not appear to be close, but at least one of the seats on city council may be a nail-biter,” said Dr. Harry Wilson, senior political analyst for IPOR and professor emeritus of political science at Roanoke College. “Joe Cobb’s lead looks to be insurmountable. While McGuire and Nash hold strong leads for the first two council seats, four candidates are within striking distance of claiming the third seat. The Democratic ticket is strong, as expected in the heavily Democrat city, but a Republican or independent might win that third seat.”
“While Benjamin Woods is being aided by his party affiliation, Evelyn Powers is using her name recognition to overcome both party and ballot position,” Wilson said. “Perhaps the biggest surprise is that almost half of the likely voters have already cast their ballot.”
This is IPOR’s first poll focusing on local elections in the Star City.
For more information about the Roanoke College Poll, click here.
A copy of the questions and all toplines may be found here.