Early Poll Puts Gavin Newsom Ahead of Contenders for Governor in 2018

LOS ANGELES, CA - Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti placed third, behind Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, in a survey of potential California governor candidates released Wednesday, while former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa finished fifth.

Garcetti was supported by 13 percent of 882 respondents surveyed by phone over two days last week to succeed Gov. Jerry Brown when his term ends in 2018, according to Public Policy Polling.

Newsom led with 25 percent and Faulconer received 20 percent, while ex- Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin was fourth with 12 percent and Villaraigosa finished with 9 percent.

Newsom, who has been aiming for the office for years, has been widely considered the front-runner in the race and usually ranks first in polling. Faulconer, on the other hand, has never publicly expressed interest in the race.

Garcetti has been rumored to be considering a run for governor but has not publicly declared himself a candidate. He is also facing a re-election for mayor on March 7.

Villaraigosa officially threw his hat into the ring in November.

Among Democrats, Newsom led with 38 percent to 15 percent for Garcetti and 13 percent for Villaraigosa. Faulconer led among Republicans with 45 percent to 22 percent for Swearengin.

The poll's error rate is plus or minus 3.3 percent.

City News Service; Photo: Public Domain