Democrat incumbent Hassan takes early lead over GOP challenger Bolduc in New Hampshire Senate race

New Hampshire Democrat incumbent Sen. Maggie Hassan has an 11-point lead over GOP challenger Don Bolduc just days after he became the state party nominee, according to a poll released Friday.

The new Emerson College-WHDH poll shows 51% prefer Hassan, compared to 40% for Bolduc, while 6% said they were unsure and 4% said they were voting for someone else.

“Bolduc has low name recognition, which presents both a challenge and an opportunity,” said Spencer Kimball, the executive director of Emerson College Polling, according to The Hill. 

Many New Hampshire voters think Hassan will win because she's an incumbent and defeating one is historically difficult.

The poll also shows Hassan has a 12-point lead with independents and a 16-point lead among women.