California: New Jungle Poll

The USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll (10/27-11-6; 1,504 California adults) was just released into the public domain.  As has been the case for every poll, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) leads the diverse, multi-candidate field.  He scores 31% support within this sampling universe, ahead of former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (D) who posts 21% support.  Republican state Assemblyman Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach) is next with 15%, followed by Democratic state Treasurer John Chiang (12%), and GOP businessman John Cox (11%).  The latter man is a former presidential and Illinois federal candidate. 
 
At this point, 42 Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and minor party candidates have announced for the Governor’s race.  The top two finishers in the June qualifying vote, regardless of political party affiliation, will advance to the general election.   Democrats are prohibitive favorites to hold the California Governor’s mansion.  Gov. Jerry Brown (D) is ineligible to seek re-election.

--Jim Ellis