New poll shows Fresno mayoral race might be a close contest

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Our latest exclusive Action News poll conducted by Survey USA indicates the race for Fresno mayor is shaping up to be an extremely close contest. The poll shows Henry Perea, who won the June primary, with 46-percent saying they would vote for him-- leading Lee Brand who has 44-percent. Ten percent are undecided with a margin of sampling error of 4.3-percent.

"It's good to see this race is basically a statistical tie right now. We believe in the coming weeks our goal is to not only stay close but to pull ahead," said Lee Brand, mayoral candidate.

Brand said the latest poll represents a momentum shift, but Perea sees it much differently.

"From day one we have never been behind in this race and I think what this poll shows is what we already know."

Both candidates have traded barbs over discolored and lead-tainted water in Northeast Fresno. The water issue figures to remain a campaign talking point.

"I think they are starting to really understand that when he had knowledge of in 2009 and the opportunity to help them. He didn't, and I think people are now connecting those two dots," said Perea.

"I initiated the investigation with Tommy Esqueda. I was instrumental in getting public meetings and full investigation engaging all the agencies to find a solution," said Brand.

Survey USA said Perea leads Brand among Latino voters by 49-percent, while Brand holds 20-percent lead among white voters. Perea leads by two points among African American voters and Brand has a 16-percent edge among Asian American voters.

Brand said he'll soon unveil details on a plan to turn Fresno around.

"We have a message I believe, a message of recovery, a message of prosperity I think will touch everybody in the city," said Brand.

But Perea figures to widen his lead over the next few months.

"I think the presidential election then is going to come into play, and I think we're going to see some significant numbers shift during that campaign. So it all points to a Perea victory in November."

According to the poll-- Perea holds an 11-point lead among women while brand enjoys a 7-point pad among men. There were 539 likely voters who took part in our latest Action News poll.

The election is set for November 8th.