Bo Tefu | California Black Media
The California Democratic Party has selected EVITARUS Research, a Black- and Latina-led firm, to conduct a new statewide polling project tracking the governor’s race ahead of the primary election.
Party Chair Rusty Hicks said the California Voter Opinion, Trend and Engagement Research Index, or VOTER Index, will give voters, campaigns and the media a clearer view of the contest as eight Democratic candidates compete for support.
“If you do not have a viable path to make it to the general election, do not file to place your name on the ballot for the primary election,” Hicks wrote in an open letter to candidates. He also urged contenders to reconsider their campaigns if they fail to gain traction, advising those who file to “be prepared to suspend your campaign and endorse another candidate on or before April 15 if your campaign cannot show meaningful progress toward winning the primary election.”
The first survey will sample 2,000 likely voters statewide, with follow-up tracking surveys of 1,200 voters every seven to 10 days through early May.
Polling will be led by Shakari Byerly, EVITARUS Research director of polling and research, with Angela X. Ocampo, senior vice president at the polling firm.
EVITARUS, based in Los Angeles, describes itself as California’s only full-service public opinion firm led by Black and Latina executives. Party officials said survey results will be published shortly after completion, providing regular insight into voter attitudes as the primary approaches.
