Wedgewood Polls admits fabricating political survey data before midterms

The polling organization Wedgewood Polls admitted on social media on Tuesday night that it fabricated election polling data. The Washington Examiner and earlier reporting from FTMQ News both report that the group claimed the fake data was an experimental project designed to show vulnerabilities, low barriers to entry, and a lack of oversight in the modern political polling industry. [1][2][3]

The fabricated surveys affected specific political contests, including Democratic primary races across the United States. As FTMQ News reported earlier, the fake numbers boosted progressive candidates. The Michigan Senate primary between Abdul El-Sayed and Mallory McMorrow was among the affected races, and McMorrow said her campaign was impacted by the fake polling. [2][3]

The Washington Examiner reported that fake polls continue to appear and gain promotion as legitimate surveys because the polling industry accepts data that fits existing political narratives. The outlet noted that the broader polling industry has faced ongoing problems for a decade, dating back to Donald Trump's victory in the 2016 presidential election. [1]

The admission has renewed broader concerns regarding the reliability of political polling data. As FTMQ News noted earlier, the revelation comes shortly before the United States midterm elections, which are scheduled to take place on November 3, 2026. [2]