With a big lift from New Jersey women, U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, the Democratic incumbent, leads former pharmaceutical executive Bob Hugin, the Republican challenger, 53 - 42 percent among likely voters, according to a Quinnipiac University Poll released today.

Only 5 percent of likely voters remain undecided, but 13 percent of voters who do name a candidate say they could change their mind by Election Day.

Women back Sen. Menendez 57 - 38 percent, while men are divided 48 - 48 percent.

This is the first survey of likely voters in this race by the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University Poll and can not be compared to earlier surveys of registered voters.

Republicans go to Hugin 93 - 6 percent, as Democrats back Menendez 93 - 6 percent. Independent voters are divided with 48 percent for Hugin and 43 percent for Menendez.

The incumbent leads 67 - 26 percent among non-white voters. White voters are divided with 49 percent for Hugin and 48 percent for Menendez.

https://poll.qu.edu/new-jersey/release-detail?ReleaseID=2576