Gov. Tom Wolf holds a 26-point lead over Scott Wagner, who’s now more well-known but viewed increasingly negative in the governor race in Pennsylvania, according to a Franklin & Marshall College Poll released on Thursday.

Wolf, a Democrat, is ahead 59 percent compared to 33 percent for Wagner, a former Republican state senator, among likely voters. The poll was conducted from Oct. 22-28 and surveyed 537 registered voters: 254 Democrats, 211 Republicans and 72 Independents.

“The dynamics of the race have shifted considerably in favor of Governor Wolf and reflect a significant change in the way voters assess Senator Wagner,” according to a summary of the findings.

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In the poll, 27 percent of voters had a favorable opinion of Wagner. That’s compared to 47 percent who had an unfavorable opinion of him.

Wagner's net favorability went from minus-9 in September to minus-20 in October.

Meanwhile, 54 percent of voters believe that Wolf is doing an excellent or good job, similar to Gov. Ed Rendell at this point in his administration, according to the poll.

In the race, 5 percent, the poll states, are undecided.

READ:2018 Pa. governor's race: Who is Tom Wolf?

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Pollsters acknowledged that Wolf’s lead is “so large that some might rightfully be skeptical that such an outcome is possible given the current state of electoral politics.” But they said there’s historical precedent for large victories when both the governor and a U.S. senator are on the same ballot.

Democrats, the poll stated, are benefiting from enthusiasm and cohesion.

The poll was conducted about one week after Wagner stood in front of a negative campaign billboard and delivered a fiery salvo on Facebook Live.

"Governor Wolf, let me tell you, between now and November 6th, you better put a catcher's mask on your face because I'm gonna stomp all over your face with golf spikes because I'm gonna win this for the state of Pennsylvania, and we're throwing you out of office because you know what, I'm sick and tired of your negative ads," Wagner said.

The video drew national attention and widespread condemnation from across the political aisle. Wagner later took it down and released a video statement in which, in part, he stated, "I shouldn't have said what I said."

CHECK OUT:2018 Pa. governor's race: Who is Scott Wagner?

"The fundamental problem that Wagner has is he hasn’t found an issue that resonates with voters in terms of having them say, ‘It’s time for the governor to go,’” said G. Terry Madonna, a political scientist and director of the Franklin & Marshall College Poll.

It's true that the economy in Pennsylvania hasn't kept pace with what's happening nationally. But Madonna said no one can make the argument that it's been worse under Wolf.

Both Democrats and Republicans, he said, are very interested in the election. But Democrats have far more active, registered voters in Pennsylvania.

Madonna said Wagner has also occasionally made statements and comments that aren't "the wisest thing to do" in a campaign.

“You can’t make an argument that Scott Wagner’s not controversial," said Madonna, who added that, anecdotally, someone always brings up the "golf spikes" comment whenever he does a speech or event .

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In a statement, Beth Melena, communications director for Tom Wolf for Governor, said the governor has fought to change Harrisburg and move Pennsylvania forward.

Melena touted accomplishments including adding more money for education and signing liquor reform and medical marijuana legislation.

"Scott Wagner will take Pennsylvania backwards by cutting one billion from education, rolling back health care coverage, and taxing seniors' retirement income," Melena said. "The choice is clear - Governor Tom Wolf is the leader Pennsylvania needs to keep moving forward."

Andrew Romeo, communications director for Scott Wagner for Governor, could not be reached for comment.

The poll has a margin of error of 6 percentage points.

Election Day is Nov. 6.

Contact Dylan Segelbaum at 717-771-2102.

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