Polling group admits fabricating survey data in Democratic primary races

Wedgewood Polling admitted that it fabricated its polling data after releasing surveys that projected far left candidates as strong contenders in several primary races. Fox News reported that the firm issued a statement on Tuesday night acknowledging that it used fake numbers in its election surveys. [1]

The company described the fake surveys as an experimental project intended to demonstrate vulnerabilities, lack of oversight, and low barriers to entry within the modern political polling industry. The fabricated polls upset Democrats and disrupted key contests, including the Michigan Senate primary between Abdul El-Sayed and Mallory McMorrow, where El-Sayed's campaign had cited the data, according to Fox News. [1]

The midterms will take place during Republican President Donald Trump's second term, with all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 35 Senate seats up for election. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer previously warned that heavy Republican spending poses a threat to Democratic candidates nationwide. [2][4]

Democratic campaigns had relied on the company's figures to demonstrate competitive strength in key primary contests before the admission. Outlets have not yet reported whether any legal or regulatory action will follow the disclosure. [1]