Exclusive / California Dem faces election turbulence - Semafor

California Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez faces increasing turbulence heading into his general election, according to new polling shared first with Semafor showing him statistically tied with Democrat Angela Gonzales-Torres.

The polling places Gomez at 38% and Gonzales-Torres ahead with 41%, a gap that’s within the 4.9% margin of error.

Both Democrats advanced to the general election under California’s top-two primary system. Guardrails Alliance, which commissioned the poll conducted by Upswing Research and Strategy, was formed this year to counter the influence of pro-AI groups like the Leading the Future super PAC network.

The polling also showcases potential lines of attack against Gomez: Gonzales-Torres leads 63% to Gomez’s 22% after voters are told he is backed by Leading the Future.

Guardrails is “keeping a close eye on the race,” according to a person familiar with the situation.

Progressive groups like the Justice Democrats have targeted the race and see Gomez as vulnerable.

He’s narrowly won re-election against Democrats in previous cycles, but recently faced an ethics investigation into alleged sexual misconduct that could hurt his chances.