California Democrats launch pricey polling effort to winnow crowded gubernatorial field

"Candidates have filed, and now they've got the opportunity to showcase their viability, their path to win. I want to simply ensure that everybody has information to fully understand the current state of the race. As campaign season ramps up, the series of six polls will allow candidates, supporters, the media, voters, anyone and everyone to have a clear understanding of what is or is not happening in this particular race."

"The move comes after nearly every Democratic candidate refused party leaders' call last week to withdraw from the race to avoid splitting the vote in the June primary - an outcome that could lead to a Republican being elected to statewide office for the first time in two decades."

California Democratic Party leadership is spending substantial funds on polling to evaluate the viability of gubernatorial candidates following the June 2 primary filing deadline. Nearly all Democratic candidates ignored party leaders' appeals to withdraw before the deadline, ensuring a crowded primary field. Only one of nine prominent Democratic candidates, former state Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon, heeded the call to withdraw. Party leader Rusty Hicks stated the polling will provide candidates, supporters, media, and voters with clear information about the race dynamics. A Black- and Latino-led firm will conduct six polls, with initial results released on March 24.

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