Shannon & Associates Research Solutions (SSRS) is the research firm behind many CNN polls, including multi-state battleground releases that bundle Senate and governor questions.

How SSRS works

SSRS combines probability-based phone sampling with online panels for some studies. CNN publishes methodology PDFs with each poll, worth reading for sample size by state.

2026 usage

CNN/SSRS battleground polls in August 2026 have tested Senate races including North Carolina (Cooper–Whatley) and competitive governor contests. National CNN/SSRS surveys also track congressional preference among registered and likely voters.

Interpreting results

When CNN reports a subsample of 400 voters in one state, the margin of error is wide. Use SSRS battleground data to confirm trends seen elsewhere, not to treat a single subsample as definitive.