Biden, Sanders, and Harris Lead in California; Housing Affordability Biggest Issue for Californians

CHANGE RESEARCH CALIFORNIA POLL: MAY 25-28, 2019

Biden, Sanders, and Harris Lead in California; Housing Affordability Biggest Issue for Californians

Joe Biden leads the Democratic nomination race by seven points over Bernie Sanders and Kamala Harris in Change Research’s latest California poll. In addition, Californians see housing affordability, illegal immigration, and homelessness as the biggest issues facing their state. Read on for additional results.

Biden, Sanders, and Harris Lead in California

Biden (30%) has a seven-point lead over Sanders (23%) among likely 2020 Democratic primary voters in California. Kamala Harris takes third with 15%, followed by Pete Buttigieg (12%), Elizabeth Warren (12%), and Beto O’Rourke (3%). All other candidates poll at 1% or less. 

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The state of the race when assessed by age resembles results from our other recent surveys. Sanders has a strong lead (40%) among 18 to 34 year old voters; Biden is tied for second place with Harris at 12% among that group. However, Biden takes first place among all other age groups, and his lead strengthens as voters’ age increases. Among 35 to 49 year old voters, Biden leads Sanders by one point, 25% to 24%. For 50 to 64 year old voters, Biden leads Sanders 15% to 18%. Among voters older than 65, Biden has a strong 42% lead; Warren takes second place among that group with 16%, followed by Harris at 14%.

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Key Takeaways

  • Biden (30%), Sanders (23%), and Harris (15%) lead the Democratic nomination race in California

  • Californians believe that housing affordability, illegal immigration, and homelessness are the biggest issues in their state right now

Limited Toplines, Trends, and Poll Info

[TOPLINES] 20190603 Change Research __ C

[TOPLINES] 20190603 Change Research __ C

[TRENDS] Change Research __ CA Survey __

[TRENDS] Change Research __ CA Survey __

Sample and Methodology _ CA Poll 5_25-28

Sample and Methodology _ CA Poll 5_25-28

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Housing Affordability, Illegal Immigration, and Homelessness Biggest Issues for Californians

Voters believe housing affordability, illegal immigration, and homelessness are the biggest issues facing California right now. 38% of registered voters say housing affordability is one of the two biggest issues facing California, followed by illegal immigration and homelessness tied at 31% each. Democrats are more likely than Republicans to view housing affordability as a top issue (56% compared to 11%), and Republicans are more likely to view illegal immigration as a top issue (73% versus 8% of Democrats). 

CA 5.30 CA Issues - PNG.png

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Change Research surveyed 2,857 registered voters (1,649 likely 2020 Democratic primary voters and 989 likely 2020 Republican primary voters) from May 25-28, 2019. The survey was conducted online, using Change Research’s Bias Correct Engine. Change Research reaches voters via targeted online ads that point people to an online survey instrument. The Bias Correct Engine dynamically delivers large samples that accurately reflect the demographics of a population. Post-stratification was done on age, gender, ethnicity, and 2016 presidential vote. The margin of error for the full sample, as traditionally calculated, is ± 1.8%.