In a recent poll conducted by conservative polling company Rasmussen Reports, Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as the front-runner in Michigan, leading former President Donald Trump. This significant shift in the polls comes after President Joe Biden decided to step aside from the race and endorse his vice president, solidifying her position as the Democratic nominee.

The survey, carried out from August 13 to 17, revealed that in a head-to-head matchup, Harris holds a slim lead over Trump, with the support of 48 percent of likely Michigan voters compared to 47 percent for the former president. When factoring in third-party candidates, Harris leads by three points, with 47 percent support, while Trump trails at 44 percent. Notably, each of the Green Party, Libertarian Party, and independent candidates received 1 percent support.

Michigan, considered a pivotal swing state, played a crucial role in determining the winner in the Electoral College in previous elections. Trump narrowly won the state in 2016, ending a streak of Republicans' defeats since 1988. However, Biden won Michigan back for the Democrats in 2020, highlighting its significance in the upcoming election.

Similarly, another Rasmussen poll conducted during the same dates in Pennsylvania shows a tight race. In a head-to-head matchup, Trump holds a 1-point lead over Harris. However, when third-party candidates are included, Harris edges ahead by 1 point. The poll included 1,312 likely Pennsylvania voters.

Both Michigan and Pennsylvania have proven to be vital battleground states. In Pennsylvania, Trump also won in 2016, breaking a long streak of Republican losses since 1988. However, Biden was able to reclaim the state for the Democrats in the 2020 election.

Analyzing the polling averages, Harris maintains a lead over Trump in both Michigan and Pennsylvania. According to ABC News' polling analysis site, FiveThirtyEight, Harris leads Trump by an average of 2.6 percent in Michigan and 1.4 percent in Pennsylvania. Nate Silver's Silver Bulletin, published independently after parting ways with ABC, shows Harris with an average of 46 percent compared to Trump's 43.1 percent in Michigan. In Pennsylvania, Harris holds an average of 46.2 percent while Trump stands at 44.7 percent.

The latest polling reflects a reversal of fortunes for the Democratic ticket, as Harris gains momentum and begins to outpace the former president. Trump, however, has been dismissive of the polls, referencing the 2016 election when many polls underestimated his support.

As the race for the presidency intensifies, both campaigns are bound to closely follow these numbers. Only time will tell how the polls will impact the upcoming election and whether Harris' lead will be sustained until November.