Adam Schiff, Katie Porter nearly tied, says new poll. A third of California voters undecided

A new poll shows Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, and Rep. Katie Porter, D-Irvine, nearly neck-and-neck in the primary to succeed Sen. Dianne Feinstein in the U.S. Senate.

The Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies survey shows Schiff with a slight lead at 20% support, and Porter just behind at 17%

Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, sits at 7%, as do Republicans Steve Garvey (who has yet to formally enter the race) and James Bradley. Republican Eric Early is at 5%.

Nearly a third of California voters (32%) are still undecided, the survey found.

The top two vote-getters in the March 5 primary will compete in the November 2024 general election.

Schiff and Porter’s lead may be explained by the fact that they are the most recognizable candidates in the race. Schiff enjoys a 75% recognition, including 43% viewing him favorably and 32% unfavorably, while Porter is recognized by 57%, with a 38% favorable and 19% unfavorable rating.

“Majorities of likely voters are unable to voice an opinion about any of the other contenders,” wrote Berkeley IGS Poll Director Mark DiCamillo in a memo accompanying the poll.

The survey also asked California voters about what position the candidates should take on the Russia-Ukraine war. A majority (53%) said that they prefer a candidate who would support Ukraine, even if it means extending the war, over one that wants to bring the war to a quick end with the possibility of Ukraine ceding territory to Russia.

With Feinstein 90 and ailing, voters were also questioned about what Gov. Gavin Newsom should do in the event that she can no longer serve.

More than half (51%) said that Newsom should appoint someone who is prepared to run for a full term next year, rather than a caretaker who would only finish out Feinstein’s current term.

“While most Californians prefer that Newsom appoint a successor to Feinstein who will run for the full-term, if put in this position the Governor’s political calculus is complicated. With three well-known and well-liked Democrats vying for the seat, appointing a likely successor would divide the Governor’s supporters,” said poll co-director Eric Schickler in a statement.

The survey of 6,030 California voters was conducted online in English and Spanish between Aug. 24 and Aug. 29. The Los Angeles Times provided partial funding for the poll. The sampling error for the poll was 2.5%.

This story was originally published September 7, 2023 at 10:35 AM with the headline "Adam Schiff, Katie Porter nearly tied, says new poll. A third of California voters undecided."